Painter rattled by fan's 'abuse'

Marcos Painter received abuse from a Swansea supporter

Marcos Painter said he was affected by an exchange of words with a fan during Swansea's 0-0 draw with Brighton.

The 21-year-old defender was involved in the incident towards the end of Saturday's game at the Liberty Stadium.

He said: "The ball went out of play on the East Stand side and there was one fan in particular that was dishing out a bit of abuse.

"I just had a little go back at him which I thought afterwards I was wrong to do, but we were both frustrated."

Painter said the clash was "in the heat of the moment" but added: "It was a frustrating game for the players and the fans.

"Thinking of it after, I don't think he wasn't exactly directing it at me, but he said some words that I took offence to whether it was at me or the players.

We will never hide from the responsibility, but during the game it's a bit harsh Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez

"It affected me because we had both lost our tempers during our exchange of words, and then my passing was going out of play, I was giving the ball away, everything was going wrong.

"It was all down to that because my focus had gone off the game but it was my fault in a way because I've got to learn to deal with that.

"It was quite upsetting because you expect people in your home crowd to give you support not abuse."

Swansea manager Roberto Martinez said Painter would learn from the incident.

"We have a minority who are getting frustrated and are using the wrong channels to express that frustration.

"I know it's difficult when it comes from the home fans but Marcos is going to have the same from the away fans too.

"He has to make sure nothing affects his game, nothing makes him lose any type of concentration and from our point of view.

606: DEBATE If you are not there to support our team then stay away Badtaffy

"I could see Marcos wasn't himself, but he needs to make sure he learns a lesson and becomes a more mature person on the pitch.

"We will never hide from the responsibility, but during the game it's a bit harsh."

Martinez is now looking forward to Tuesday's visit of Swindon, who are unbeaten on their travels so far.

And he may be boosted by the return of striker Darryl Duffy who has an "outside chance" of recovering from a groin injury.

"Swindon are difficult in that they are very strong and very well organised," he said.

"They are having a little bit of an after party from promotion last season. When you are in that mood you are very dangerous."