Watford Fans Criticize Manager After Early Substitution of Irankunda

Watford FC’s manager, Paulo Pezzolano, faced fierce criticism from his own supporters following a controversial decision to substitute young forward Nestory Irankunda during the first half of a Championship match against Portsmouth on October 3, 2025. Irankunda, a prominent young talent for the Socceroos, was replaced after just 35 minutes, prompting an uproar among the travelling Watford fans.

The match at Fratton Park ended in a 2-2 draw, leaving both teams with nine points after eight matches in the Championship. Despite the negative feedback from his fans, Pezzolano stood by his decision, stating that Irankunda was not performing at his best. “He didn’t seem fresh and wasn’t able to recover after an effort,” Pezzolano explained. “We didn’t want to take any chances with injury or anything like that.”

Irankunda, 19, visibly expressed his frustration after being substituted, reacting by punching his seat on the bench and throwing a water bottle before storming down the tunnel. His reaction resonated with a significant portion of the approximately 1,200 Watford fans present, who chanted, “you don’t know what you’re doing,” and “you’re getting sacked in the morning,” directed at Pezzolano.

The decision to substitute Irankunda has sparked a debate among fans and analysts alike, with many questioning whether Pezzolano’s judgment was sound. In the aftermath of the match, he defended his approach, emphasizing the importance of young players learning to cope with various situations. “What matters above everything is that whatever decision is made…is made for the best of the club and what is best for pushing things forward.”

In a separate but positive development for the young winger, Irankunda was named in the Socceroos squad for upcoming international matches against Canada and the USA. The Australian national team, coached by Tony Popovic, is set to face Canada in Montreal on October 11, followed by a match against the USA in Colorado on October 15. These fixtures are seen as crucial preparation ahead of the World Cup, with Popovic noting, “We want to keep building continuity and momentum towards the World Cup.”

As Watford continues to navigate the Championship season, the incident surrounding Irankunda’s substitution highlights the intense emotions involved in football, both on and off the pitch. The club remains focused on improving their standings, while Irankunda looks to make an impact in international competitions.