On this day: Lualua not about to walk out on Portsmouth

On this day in 2006, Pompey insisted Lomana Lualua was not about to walk out on the club.Â
Lomana LualuaLomana Lualua
Lomana Lualua

The striker had been hurt by cruel taunts on internet message boards from so-called Pompey fans. 

He had suggested he was ready to walk out on the club. 

But Blues chief executive Peter Storrie spoke to the 25-year-old and reassured supporters that he expected Lualua to stay.

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The DR Congo skipper met with club officials to discuss his concerns. 

At the time, Storrie told The News: '˜Lualua is upset by what a small faction of so-called supporters have been saying about him on internet message boards.

'˜But after speaking to him, it is extreme to say he wants to quit the club '“ that's not our understanding.

'˜It is a small minority of so-called supporters who are saying these things. Some of the things you read on these internet message boards are appalling.

'˜Myself and Milan Mandaric have been victims in the past.

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'˜Lua's obviously been very hurt by what has been said and we'll be talking to him about the whole situation.' 

The episode upset Harry Redknapp's plans ahead of the next game against Watford.

Lualua was poised to start only his third game of the season up front alongside Kanu.

Speaking to The News, Lualua said: '˜It has been the worst year of my life and I cannot wait for it to end. I am hurt and confused by what the fans have been saying.

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'˜I read newspapers and internet message boards and a lot of what has been said about me has deeply affected me. It has become personal.

'˜I love playing for Pompey but when my own supporters have a go at me, maybe it is time to move on and go to somewhere where I will be appreciated.'