Former West Ham favourite Vladimir Coufal has launched a passionate defence of Tomas Soucek and he’s not happy with the Hammers fans who’ve been criticising his close friend.
The ex-Irons full-back didn’t hold back as he slammed supporters for what he sees as unfair treatment of the midfielder.
Besides Jarrod Bowen, nobody epitomised West Ham’s rise over the last few years more than Tomas Soucek.
Unfortunately he also seems to be the go-to scapegoat for West Ham’s fall.
It is often said people take things out on those they love the most.
Soucek becomes West Ham’s go-to scapegoat again
That seems to have been the case at times with Soucek over the last couple of seasons as he faces criticism from some Hammers supporters during what has been a rapid period of regression at the club.
Soucek has barely missed a game for West Ham since signing from Slavia Prague for a bargain £15.5m in January 2020.
Emerging bloody and wounded from West Ham matches is a regular occurrence for the Czech captain.
Soucek gets patched up and goes again, putting in tireless and selfless performances for the team.
There is no denying his performances, particularly on the ball, have suffered along with pretty much everyone else in the Hammers squad.
But even last season Soucek still chipped in with nine goals and stopped countless more with his bravery and discipline.
Given what he has done for West Ham, it seems harsh Soucek is often first in line when fans are venting their frustrations about the team.
Hammers supporters are certainly doing that at the moment after yet another defeat, 2-1 on the road at Leeds.
The result came hot on the heels of Monday night’s 2-0 loss at home to Brentford.
It leaves West Ham stuck in the relegation zone at the quarter-way stage of the season with a measly four points from nine games.
Vladimir Coufal slams West Ham fans for criticising Tomas Soucek
At that rate, the Irons are projected to amass just 16 points all season and be relegated.
Nuno Espirito Santo faced a big decision when Soucek returned from a three-game ban against Brentford.
It was telling that the Portuguese put him straight back into the starting XI.
Many Hammers fans disagree with the decision.
And after the Leeds defeat, in which Soucek was subbed off by Nuno, some believe his time as a West Ham starter is now over.
But a former Hammers star and fan favourite has taken exception to seeing his good friend scapegoated by supporters.
Vladimir Coufal has slammed West Ham fans for criticising Soucek in an angry outburst on social media.
Leading Hammers X account West Ham Transfers, which has nearly 80,000 followers, posted: “I never want to see Soucek in a West Ham shirt again.”
Coufal saw the post among plenty of others criticising his best friend and the former Hammers full-back, now shining at Hoffenheim, made his feelings perfectly clear.
Coufal said the fan should have his internet access taken away.
Coufal questions principles of some West Ham fans
And he questioned whether it is true fans really appreciate players who give everything as they claim to.
“Oh my God,” Coufal said in response to the criticism of Soucek.
“Someone should ban you from internet access.
“Always together even in bad times, where is it?
“When you give everything, we will stand by you, where is it?”
Well said Vlad.
Soucek is among the last West Ham players being singled out in this mess.
The man has literally put his head on the line for the club on multiple occasions and has the scars to prove it.
