Struggling Cardiff City striker issues heartfelt statement after 'abuse in my inbox' from fans
Cardiff City striker Yakou Meite has issued an emotional statement after receiving "a lot of abuse" from fans in recent weeks.
The 28-year-old has had a difficult first 18 months with the Bluebirds, offering a strong physical presence up front on his day but ultimately failing to deliver any end product. In 63 games for Cardiff, he has found the back of the net just three times and has just a solitary goal to his name so far this campaign.
With the Bluebirds having a torrid first half of the season which has left them four points above the relegation zone, players like Meite have borne the brunt of fans' frustration. In November, the Ivorian hit back at fans as he scored against Coventry City and made a shushing motion towards the travelling Bluebirds support before cupping his ears.
READ MORE: Omer Riza reveals Cardiff City transfer plan as Ajax star reportedly set for loan move
READ MORE: Cardiff City player ratings as Robinson impresses again and substitute changes game
He later accused "some" fans of "try[ing] to make me responsible for everything when its not going well," and he has now doubled down on that message by taking to social media once again after a "difficult few weeks".
In a message to supporters on Sunday, Meite explained that he had stopped connecting with fans after matches after receiving abuse, as he claimed it is "difficult to know who is with you or against". He added that he will "always give my all" for the Bluebirds and defiantly said "I will never accept always be[ing] the problem when things are going wrong".
WHATSAPP: Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community
The message read: "Hi all. Just wanted to speak out after a difficult few weeks where I received and read a lot of comments, abuse in my inbox by our own fans about me and some are definitely out of football.
"I am someone who usually likes to stop at every game, clap the fans and have a good connexion (sic) with them, but after all the abuse I received this past few weeks I decided to stop doing it and I'm REALLY sorry for those people who are still supporting me and trusting me.
"But honestly at some point, it's difficult to know who is with you or against. We are all human and you guys should also understand this can hurt people and change them.
"I will always give my all for the club until the end, but I will never accept to always be the problem when things are going wrong. We should focus on our target together, I'm not your problem."
