Michail Antonio shares verdict on what ‘cheeky’ fans said to Jarrod Bowen in West Ham United win v Luton
Michail Antonio has called the Luton Town fans “cheeky” for what they said to Jarrod Bowen as he scored for West Ham in their victory on 1 September.
Speaking on the Footballers’ Football Podcast, the 33-year-old said the Hatters have a “decent” fanbase, but that the supporters went a “bit too far” with what they said to the English winger.
The Jamaican international claims that he buzzed off the intimidating atmosphere at Kenilworth Road, adding that the Hammers players were “pretty comfortable” as they recorded a 2-1 victory.
“They have a decent fanbase and the atmosphere was good,” he said. “They were really giving it to our boys and to be fair, what they said to Jarrod was a bit cheeky. I can’t repeat it here. Fans can always make a bit of banter but they went a bit too far.
“Then Jarrod bags and he’s like ‘What are you talking about?’. Then with Kurt, everywhere he goes he gets a bit of banter and they were really giving it to him. The tunnel is so small and they were screaming in his face.
“Obviously he then scores and he ran off to them and they lost their heads. It’s an unbelievable feeling. The only way to shut them up is bagging [a goal]. That hits more than anything they can possibly say.
When asked if either he or his teammates were intimidated by the atmosphere, Antonio said: “I buzz off it, banter is for me all day. I love it. The team wasn’t affected at Luton either. If it had been a harder game where we were getting battered, the players would probably struggle but we were pretty comfortable.”
Loves it
It’s pretty clear whenever you hear Antonio speak that he enjoys a laugh, so the atmosphere inside Kenilworth Road would have suited him perfectly.
Although Bowen is a different type of character and comes across as a bit more reserved, the 26-year-old has a fighting spirit about him and would’ve been delighted to get a goal and silence the crowd.
The pair are fantastic together and have been crucial to the success West Ham have experienced on the pitch over the past few years under David Moyes.
While Antonio has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium in recent times, he continues to give his all for the Irons and he has been excellent so far during this campaign.
The Hammers fans will be hoping the duo continue to impress in claret and blue as we look to builld upon our superb start in the Premier League this season.
In other West Ham news, a journalist has shared how one signing could be made after the Hammers’ recent actions.