ANDY CARROLL has shocked and divided Reading fans with a caring, swearing X-rated apology for relegation.
The former England striker posted he was “so sorry” for the drop to League One and will be “Working My F***ing A**e Off” to get the “fantastic club” back up.
One angry supporter urged the ex-Newcastle hero to “get your cv updated” and another suggested he stops thinking he is “playing volleyball”.
A few also blamed Carroll for demotion following his red card in a 1-1 draw with Luton last month.
But many fans were moved by the ex-Liverpool targetman speaking so bluntly from the heart and were delighted he’s keen to stay.
Carroll, 34, shared snaps of his time at Reading, including with his family, in an emotional Instagram message.
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He wrote: “The People The Place I Love You All. I’m So So Sorry We Weren’t Enough This Season. I Know I’ll Be Working My F****ing A**e Off This Summer To Get This Fantastic Club Back Up And Beyond. Thank You For Making This Club My Home.”
Reading were well-placed for a play-off push earl;y in the season after Carroll returned on a four-month deal.
But after he signed a contract extension in January to 2024 they fell away, not helped by a six-point penalty in April.
But some fans believe they would have stayed up had Carroll not gone from potential matchwinner to sinner at home to Luton last month.
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The 6ft 4ins frontman headed the Royals in front but was then sent off for a second yellow card – when handling the ball as he nodded a second “goal”.
Promotion hopefuls Luton suddenly burst into life, with Carlton Morris heading a later equaliser.
Now Reading are doomed – five points from safety with just one game left.
One fan replied to Carroll’s post with: “Sorry to say but genuinely think we get 3 points if you didn’t get red against Luton. You owe it to the fans to grind it out in L1.”
Two others referred to his personal record, saying: “This don’t look good on the CV” and “Get your CV updated hey. You all let down ever single fan this season.”
And a fourth anti-Carroll poster wrote: “So this means you’re staying” – following by sad-face emojis.
But there was also plenty of backing for the controversial Tynesider.
One fan said of his apology: “Spoken like a true leader – behind you all the way.”
Similar sentiments included: “One player I’ll always defend” and “Believe in you Carroll… get us back up”.
More support came with: “Class. We’re behind you Andy” and “Please stay”.
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And in a miserable year for the Royals – at least in the world of football – one even said of his Instagram outpouring: “One of the only highlights of this season!
“I can’t help but like the guy. He’s been nothing but 100% committed since the day he arrived.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk