The fans: They stuck with the team through a very poor performance. And then expressed frustration in the most effective way they can. They'll be back on wednesday cheering and supporting, don't doubt it.
Rooney: his comment comes not from the booing – he'll understand that in his heart of hearts, he's a fan too. But on the back of a very disappointing performance both collectively and individually, that's his frustration boiling over.
We'd all like to think they shouldn't happen, but they do. It's because they actually do care.
The problem now comes on Weds. Massive expectation from the fans, the pressure that we have to win (and ideally win well to still top the group) – how long do they have / how many missed passes are allowed before the frustration gets vocalised again?
I've followed and supported this lot through thick and mainly thin for 30+ years. Here's the news, it's the same as it ever was. But also here's what I've learnt. The joy of victory is all the sweeter for having stuck with them through the tough times. That's whn you feel you've earnt it.
(and Jeez, supporting Reading at club level, was that worth the wait….)