Boos from West Ham crowd upset me, says Parker

28/02/2013 2:35:00 AM

The former Upton Park favourite says jeers from the Hammers fans during Spurs' 3-2 Monday night win were unexpected after winning a number of accolades during his time there

Scott Parker has revealed he was upset by the boos he received from West Ham fans during Tottenham's 3-2 win on Monday particularly because of his status as a former fan favourite at Upton Park.

Gareth Bale scored twice to push Spurs up to third in the table and just five points off fifth-placed Manchester City, but the England midfielder - who gave away a penalty during the game - was taunted by the home fans.

The 32-year-old says he is unsure why he was subjected to the abuse after playing for the Hammers for four years, but despite being disappointed at the unexpected reaction, the club still has a "massive place" in his heart.


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"I didn't expect the West Ham fans to boo me and obviously it was a little bit upsetting," he told reporters.

"I don't know why [they did it]. I don't know if it's because I went to their local rivals; I'm not sure, but I just would have liked to think that maybe I would have got a better reception after what I did in my time here.

"I loved [Upton Park], the fans, and I loved the club. I had four fantastic years here and it will always be a club with a massive place in my heart. I was looking forward to coming back and I couldn't wait to go out there and play so I was disappointed [to be booed]."

Parker received a number of awards during his time at Upton Park - he was named 'Hammer of the Year' on three occasions and even won the Player of the Year award from the Football Writers' Association in his final season at the club.