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John Stones falls out with Everton fans for not trusting his ability on the ball

Published 18:49 3 Jan 2016 GMT

Updated 18:50 3 Jan 2016 GMT

Conan Doherty
John Stones falls out with Everton fans for not trusting his ability on the ball

Homesport

If it's not an under-16 coach telling you to lump the ball up the field, it's your own fans.

John Stones wasn't in doubt. So why put it out? One of the most sought-after centre backs in the game got into it on Sunday afternoon with the Everton supporters whose hearts had obviously taken more than they could handle during the 1-1 draw with Spurs. Instead of clearing a ball away, Stones committed one of the worst crimes known to English football and tried to keep possession. So he was hit with direct punishment. https://twitter.com/7even11s/status/683707731702853633 His twisting and turning in the box and reaction to the fans' panic earned him jeers at Goodison Park, for doing what would actually be expected at a bigger club. And, this, at a time Everton are fighting to hold on to him. https://twitter.com/morton940/status/683707822949941249 https://twitter.com/PHT_10/status/683707172191137792 So what happened? The ball comes in, he's under pressure from Son Heung-min. 1 He lets it come across his body to get a look at the pitch. What is this? 2 He doesn't want to lump it clear. WHY? 3 "Not there!" 4 There's a good lad. Put your f**king foot through it. 5 Skill? In the box? From a defender? 6 Now Tim Howard is starting to panic. John Stones is panicking because Tim Howard is there. 7 He turns again. Howard isn't sure what to do. 8 Son eventually gets pissed off and pulls his shirt. 9 Stones wins his free and has a go at the crowd. 10 He gestures for them to calm down. 11 And struts away like a king.   12 The irony of it all is, of course, is that Tim Howard ended up lumping the ball down the field anyway.

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John Stones falls out with Everton fans for not trusting his ability on the ball