Former Southampton striker Charlie Austin has opened up on one moment that divided the fanbase.
Charlie Austin led the line for Southampton for a successful three-and-a-half seasons following his arrival from Queens Park Rangers.
During his tenure at the club, Southampton were given a taste of European football, in which they beat the likes of Serie A giants Inter Milan at St Mary’s.
Austin also played a significant role in the 2016/17 season in the Europa League, bagging two goals at home against Sparta Prague in a 3-0 victory.
Five years since his departure from Southampton, he has had time to reflect on his time with the Saints and a high-profile spat that he had on X/Twitter with one Southampton fan, where he wrote in a post that has since been deleted: “You [Southampton fans] don’t sing to get behind the team only when they score never when they need a boost.”
Charlie Austin opens up on ‘regret’ of spat with Southampton fan
After signing for non-league outfit Totton following the expiry of his contract at Swindon Town, Austin spoke about his regrets surrounding the spat with Saints fans on X/Twitter.
Austin said to the Southampton Echo: “Of course I regret it, it left a sour taste in the mouth.
“I’d had a couple of beers. It was more tongue and cheek and then it got way out of hand.
“I enjoyed my time at Saints. They gave me the opportunity to play in the Premier League and the Europa League.
“We got to the League Cup final and lost to Manchester United but there is a black cloud because of a blip on my behalf.
“That’s why I don’t like the fact that when things get spoken about, that’s what people mention. It’s come from me by the way, I fully hold my hands up there.”
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Has Charlie Austin’s reputation at Southampton been tarnished
Austin’s spat with one individual Southampton certainly caused quite a stir across the fanbase, and has even led to the English striker admitting that it ‘left a sour taste in the mouth’.
However, Austin’s tenure at St Mary’s certainly can’t be disputed, despite any blips off-the-pitch.
Despite various injuries throughout his time at Southampton, the attacker was able to still provide a significant impact for the side, whether it was off the bench, starting up top, or providing the necessary leadership in the dressing room.
Key moments stick out in Austin’s time at the club, from his 85th minute winning header in the 3-2 victory against Arsenal in the 2018/19 Premier League campaign, to Southampton’s spell in Europe.
The Hungerford-born forward may not have provided goals on a consistent basis, however his impact during his spell at the club is one that made a significant difference at a time where Southampton were fully able to cement their spot as a Premier League club.