Jol blasts brash Berbatov

Fulham manager Martin Jol has branded Dimitar Berbatov’s goal celebration in the club’s 1-1 draw with Southampton on Boxing Day as ‘stupid’.

The Cottagers are currently on a run which has seen them claim just one victory in their past 11 games, sliding down the table into 14th position as a result and picking up just five points out of a possible 21 recently.

With Berbatov grabbing the first goal against Nigel Adkins’ fellow strugglers, the 31-year-old forward was cautioned for taking his shirt off and revealing a T-shirt which read, ‘Keep calm and pass me the ball’, a move which both puzzled and angered Jol.

“It was a bit stupid and I will have to have a word with him,” Jol said.

“He probably thought he would get away with it as he never gets booked. It wasn’t the brightest thing to do but he wanted to make a statement.

“He tells the youngsters every day to play with confidence, keep the ball and don’t be afraid. You need confidence and self belief to play your football.

“He wants us to play in a certain style and that is the message he’s trying to get across.”

Fulham host Michael Laudrup’s in-form Swansea side at Craven Cottage on Saturday.