Cardiff boss Omer Riza has been labelled ‘disrespectful’ by his own fans after launching a bizarre rant against them.
The Bluebirds manager said that some of the club’s supporters are ‘clueless’ during his pre-match press conference.
Riza is preparing to take his side to promotion-chasing Sheffield United on Good Friday.
Cardiff head into the clash in the Championship relegation zone and one point from safety with four matches remaining.
Having come under pressure in recent weeks, Riza addressed the criticism he has faced ahead of the match.
He told reporters: “I do read comments, I read all the comments from fans and unfortunately a lot of them are clueless.”
Riza went on to insist that there are a lot of ‘good fans’ despite his remarks.
His comments were met with an immediate backlash on social media, with the Cardiff City Supporters Trust releasing a statement.
The post on X read: “Comments that fans are clueless are both disappointing and disrespectful given the need for everyone to be pulling in the same direction as Cardiff City battles to avoid relegation.
“Given the club’s precarious position, the manager, indeed any manager, should expect to receive criticism from fervent supporters who are passionate about the future of our club.
“We hope Omer will reflect on his ill-judged comments.”
Riza’s comments came after supporters made their feelings known after Saturday’s home defeat to Stoke.
Despite being the club’s first loss in six matches, it extended their winless run to four.
Cardiff’s remaining matches include a visit from relegation rivals Oxford United on Easter Monday.
The Bluebirds are at risk of dropping into the third tier for the first time in 22 years.
They have not played in League One since winning promotion from the division back in 2003.
Riza was appointed as manager in December after three months as caretaker boss.
The 45-year-old had previously been Erol Bulut’s assistant before the Turkish coach was sacked eight games into the season.
Despite winning four of his first seven matches in caretaker charge, Riza has been unable to pull Cardiff away from the relegation battle.
Since becoming permanent boss, he has won just five of their subsequent 24 league fixtures.
