If a prize was awarded for the most fickle football fans in the country, a minority of Albion's supporters would surely be among the contenders.

Saturday was the first time I had seen a Seagulls home game for four months. The previous occasion was a 3-0 FA Cup win against Stafford Rangers back in December.

There was a feel-good factor around Withdean at the time. A few weeks before, Albion trounced Northwich Victoria 8-0 with a hat-trick from Jake Robinson and a brace from Dean Cox.

Supporters were talking animatedly about the potential of a young side and lavishing praise on forward-thinking manager Dean Wilkins.

I was not expecting the same contentment when I took my seat against Bradford last weekend and was well aware that results and performances had taken a turn for the worse and fans were beginning to lose patience.

But nothing prepared me for just how much feelings had changed.

The boos that rang out at the final whistle were surprising but perhaps predictable following yet another home defeat. But to discover that a small number of fans had abused players BEFORE the game had even kicked off was staggering.

Even more so when it emerged that Robinson and Cox, the players being hailed as the bright young hopes not so long ago, were the main target for the boo-boys.

I am at a loss to know what the so-called fans wished to achieve. Did they think, in some twisted way, that it would actually help the team? Or did they just get perverse enjoyment out of abusing other people?

They would, no doubt, defend their actions by trotting out the usual line used by abusive fans that they had paid their money and were therefore entitled to their opinion. To some extent that is correct but only depending what the definition of "opinion" is.

Can hurling a torrent of four-letter expletives at another human being be classed as just expressing an opinion?

If they did it to a passer-by in the street, they would be in danger of being hit with an anti-social behaviour order.

Albion defender Adam El-Abd could say he was expressing his opinion when he unwisely decided to give back some of the abuse he and his team-mates were receiving at the final whistle. But, judging by the letters of complaint that have dropped on The Argus doormat, most fans agree his actions were not acceptable.

The main theme is that, as a professional sportsman, El-Abd should rise above it.

The abuse at Withdean continues a growing trend that has developed within English football in recent years.

Fans, resenting the big pay-packets and celebrity lifestyles of the stars, are quick to get on their backs if they do not perform.

Premiership stars have learnt to live with it. Cristiano Ronaldo receives more abuse than most but simply takes it in his stride, does a few step-overs and blasts it back down their throats.

However, just because the likes of Ronaldo seem unaffected does not mean Albion players are the same. None of the Seagulls live in mansions, earn £120,000 a week or attend parties with millionaires.

They are not aloof and are happy to chat with supporters in the street.

The abuse they received last week hit them hard and will probably take time to get over. So any fans tempted to have a go in the future should think before they open their mouths.