Newcastle United captain Dan Burn has admitted that while he understands fan frustration, it "doesn't make it any easier" for the Magpies' players to perform in that environment at St James' Park.
Burn acknowledged that it is on the players to lift the mood of the supporters after United were booed off at both half-time and full-time during Monday's 1-0 defeat to Everton.
Costly error and growing frustration
Thierno Barry's second-half goal, capitalising on an error from Lukas Hornicek to tap home from close range, proved decisive on a night when Matthias Jaissle's side lacked inspiration in front of their home supporters.
Frustration audibly grew throughout the game as fans watched their side give the ball away and struggle to break down an Everton team who had not won on the road in their previous nine Premier League away matches.
The result means Jaissle's side have now lost four of their last five matches in all competitions, with performances and results trending downwards.
Burn's message to supporters
Burn, a former season ticket holder at St James' Park, sympathised with supporters struggling to engage with this version of Newcastle United.
"I understand fan frustration. I get it," Burn told Chronicle Live. "I've been booed at half-time and booed at full-time. I completely understand."
"I've been a season-ticket holder in here and I understand what to expect from a Newcastle team, but it doesn't make it easier to play here when you've got that. I think there are lads who've probably not experienced that before. You can feel that little bit of nervous energy and I think that transmits onto the field."
"Having said that, I think it's us who drive them on and bring them with us, and we haven't done that today. So, as I said, I can understand it, but it doesn't make it any easier."
Looking ahead to Fulham
Newcastle travel to Fulham on Saturday, aiming to sign off before the November international break in positive fashion, though finding positives after another bruising defeat is difficult.
When asked what his message to supporters would be, Burn urged them to stick with the team and assured them everything is being done to turn the tide.
"Yes, stick with it," Burn replied. "As I said, I completely understand your frustrations, but now is the time for everyone to pull together. I really feel like we need you a lot at the moment."
"I understand that going away from home hasn't always been great for you, but I can promise you, it is cliché to say, but it's not from a lack of trying that we're not getting results."
"I know the amount of effort that goes in every single day from the lads and the management, and I hope that you see the response that we should have had today from the group."
