KARL Robinson says he is thick-skinned enough to take criticism from fans but admits it is a different kettle of fish when abuse is aimed at his teenage daughter.
Chants calling for the Oxford United head coach to be sacked were audible during the club’s 2-0 defeat at Sky Bet League One strugglers Burton Albion.
United find themselves toiling in the third tier this season, sitting 14th and eight points shy of the play-off places.
While Robinson says he can take stick from supporters on the chin, he draws the line at offensive messages sent to his daughter.
He said: “I deserve criticism, that’s part of the responsibility I carry as a manager.
“How we speak to each other internally gives you tremendous strength in who you are as a person.
“I care for the club that I work for, that’s my personality.
“My family appreciate what I have to go through but when your daughter gets dragged into things, we will be looking into that.
“We know over a million pounds has been turned down for Ateef so I don’t think that one’s quite in our reach just yet.”
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) January 31, 2023
Karl Robinson discusses the difficulties with signing his new loan players on permanent deals #oufc https://t.co/4sXy6MaLLk pic.twitter.com/fhJws9miKO
“I can accept me being called a terrible manager and a Scouse this or Scouse that, I’ve been called an awful lot worse.
“But one thing I do find very difficult and something that almost put me at breaking point was what happened to Jasmine.
“Maybe she’s hardened to it now but equally it’s not right.
“I’m cold to it in some ways because I’m here to do a job, and it’s more than a job for me.”
Oxford United Supporters Panel (OUSP) released a statement following the Albion game, condemning some of the chants and posts on social media over the weekend.
The statement read: “OUSP fully understands fans’ current frustration and disappointment. We are fans too.
“We fully support the right of supporters to express their views whether through chants, banners or discussions with fellow fans.
“However on Saturday, the personal nature of some of the chants and social media posts crossed the line. We condemn wholeheartedly this behaviour.
“Please consider the words you use and the impact they may have on the individual targeted, their family, your fellow fans and the club.”
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Fan group OxVox tweeted: “It hurts to see poor results and performances but there’s no place for abusive personal comments and crusades of hate towards other human beings.
“They may work for or support our club, or even oppose the new stadium proposals, but please show passion in the right way.”
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