By ROB BEASLEY
STEVEN GERRARD last night refused to condemn England fans for barracking stay-away defender Rio Ferdinand.
Thousands of supporters roared out their disapproval of the Manchester United star during Friday’s 8-0 win in San Marino.
And skipper Gerrard said: “I think the fans have shown their frustration about Rio not being here. They’re entitled to their opinion, they pay good money to come over here.
“We all wanted Rio here because he’s a good player and he would have helped us over these two games. But he’s made his decision and we have to respect that.”
Ferdinand was recalled by England boss Roy Hodgson for the World Cup qualifiers in San Marino and Montenegro.
But the United defender, 34, claimed he could not play on medical grounds — despite England being without regular centre-halves Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill through injury.
Ferdinand then promptly jetted nearly 3,500 miles to Doha to work for Al Jazeera as a TV pundit for Friday’s game.
Rookie pairing Chris Smalling and Joleon Lescott are now expected to face Group H leaders Montenegro in Tuesday’s crunch clash.
The England team made a point of applauding the travelling supporters after the San Marino game.
And Gerrard paid tribute to them, adding: “They’re unbelievable and most of them are going to Montenegro now.
“They got behind the team from start to finish in San Marino and that’s why all the players went over and thanked them.
“Hopefully, we can get the same support again in Montenegro because they will be a big help to us.”
