The crescendo of boos for hapless Arsenal substitute Emmanuel Eboue at the Emirates last Saturday was the most blatant example yet of a growing phenomenon.

Fans were exactly that in days gone by. Now, fuelled by disdain for the exorbitant sums paid to players, they are much less tolerant of incompetence.

The financial gulf between player and supporter is nowhere near as wide at Albion's level as it is in the Premier League but this did not stop Colin Hawkins from being booed by his own on his last appearance at Withdean.

The Irish centre half's ‘crime’ was to head into his own net against Hartlepool in the FA Cup.

A minority of fans let their feelings be heard in the most demonstrable way possible within the bounds of decency when Hawkins, his confidence shaken by his blunder, was later substituted.

His critics may not think he is very good but we all make mistakes and he is an honest professional.

So come on guys, what about a bit of Christmas cheer for Hawkins against MK Dons on Friday night?