FURIOUS Watford stars Christian Kabasele and Jose Holebas were caught up in a war of words with the club’s own supporters.
Belgian defender Kabasele was jeered by travelling fans after missing a stoppage time opportunity to equalise in the 1-0 loss at Southampton.
And he reacted angrily to the abuse from one supporter when the players went over to the away end at the final whistle.
Skipper Ben Watson rushed across to pull Kabasele away from the confrontation and then had to intervene again when Greek international Holebas joined in the row.
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The visitors had been abused throughout by their own fans, who sang: “We’re f****** shit” as they watched their team capitulate to Jack Stephens early goal.
New Watford boss Javi Gracia tried to play down the incident and claimed: “I didn’t see anything. When the match finished I went to the fans to say thanks and then I went back to the dressing-room.
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“I don’t understand what the supporters were singing. I am only worried about getting better results and then everyone will be more happy.”
Gracia, who replaced Marco Silva last week, admitted: “I am sad because in your first match you always want a good result.
“It was a tough match but I have seen a reaction from my players. They showed me they want to get the ball and fight hard until the end.”
Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino said: “We did more or less OK to win the game but we need to improve our efficiency up front.
“We controlled the game most of the time and though Watford were maybe physically stronger than my players, when the ball was on the ground we caused them a lot of trouble.
“A second goal would have brought us more calm but it was an important result for us today.”
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