Former Aston Villa star Paul Merson has urged Leicester City fans to get behind manager Nigel Pearson.
Merson wrote in the Daily Star: "Nigel Pearson used to be my captain at Middlesbrough and you would not want to mess with him.
"Those Leicester fans who had a go at him were brave - because if he was digging you out as a player in the dressing room, you didn't argue back!
"I've a lot of sympathy for Nigel. He was frustrated and he snapped.
"He went too far if he really did say, 'F*** off and die.' You should never say that as a football manager. It's out of order.
"But he was frustrated and that can get the better of you. He's still a good boss who wants the best for Leicester.
"Nigel was frustrated. He works his socks off for that club. What do they expect at Leicester? They've got to come fourth bottom, that's all!
"If those fans think they're better off without him, they're in for a shock."