Vinny Perth has defended Wilfried Zahibo after he copped terrace flak from Dundalk fans during last night’s Europa Conference League draw with Levadia Tallinn.
The Central African Republic international, 27, struggled to make an impact in the game and was subbed off to cheers in the 58th minute.
Lilywhites team-mate Patrick McEleney turned to supporters at the time and gestured to them to stop.
Zahibo, who previously played for Valencia, New England Revolution and Houston Dynamo, has yet to make a serious impact at Oriel Park having joined this season.
But of the criticism he shipped in Tallaght Stadium last night, Perth said of his midfielder: “I think it’s getting personal.
“That’s the modern world we’re living in now. People are able to send tweets and messages out.
“I get criticised for maybe being critical of social media. I think it’s too easy, I think it’s too easy to be critical of people.
“He’s had a difficult time in this club for loads of Covid reasons and (travelling to and from) internationals where he’s had two hotel quarantines.
“The one thing since 2012, we’ve always backed our players. He’s a very popular guy, he’s a great person in the dressing room.
“At times he could have done more, but at other times he showed the quality he has. That will come from him.
“Fans are entitled to criticise people, I accept that. But once it’s not personal. I think some of the criticism has crossed the line with Wilfried in particular.”
Perth added: “He’s had Covid himself so he’s struggled. But we’ve seen him start to find a bit of form on the training ground and that’s why he came in last night.
“I felt it was set up for him. It didn’t go his way at times but he’s very popular in our dressing room and will develop as long as he’s at this club. I’ve a lot of time for him.”
