Billy Gilmour’s move from Chelsea to Norwich City has seemingly taken a sour turn.
The Scottish international’s loan move drew a lot of expectations from fans, with the 20-year-old being viewed as a fitting addition to an exciting Norwich side that comfortably won the championship last season.
Unfortunately, we’re now halfway through the Canaries stint in the top flight and they look all set to face demotion again.
Even a managerial replacement in the form of former Villa boss Dean Smith has failed to conjure up any positives at Carrow Road.
Norwich slumped to their 5th straight defeat in the league, a 3-0 thumping at the hands of Crystal Palace.
And evidently, Canaries are holding Billy Gilmour accountable.
Despite encouraging performances during pre-season, Gilmour’s loan spell so far has been far from ideal.
The highly-rated youth prospect was even benched by former manager Daniel Farke due to the uninspired performances.
However, the Canaries treatment of Gilmour certainly isn’t justified considering the substandard performances their side have produced throughout the season.
A clip that features Norwich fans hurling abuses at Gilmour including a harsh chant asking him to ‘F–k off back to Chelsea’ has gone viral, prompting Chelsea and Scotland fans to come to Gilmour’s aid.
Norwich City supporters want Billy Gilmour to leave the club to go back to #Chelsea. 😳 pic.twitter.com/sp34pIJSuI
— Sergio 🇲🇼 🇸🇩🇲🇿✍️ (@ThothoMw) December 28, 2021
Showing concern for their young star, many Blues suggested recalling the Scottish international from the ‘relegation fodder’ side, an option which unfortunately cannot be activated due to a clause in Gilmour’s contract.
Billy Gilmour is literally one of the best natural talents on Chelsea's large illustrious books.
— Football Therapy Yan (@BallTherapyYan) December 28, 2021
And relegation fodder Norwich City's fans think he is not good enough for them. MOTM award in every comp debut and has been the best player on the pitch for Chelsea on many occasions
🏴 | Billy Gilmour
— Everything Scotland 🏴 (@AboutScotlandd) December 28, 2021
We need to get Billy away from Norwich City.
One of the worst sides I've ever seen in the PL with an entitled fan base who think it's okay to hurl abuse at a 20 year old.
Nobody in their squad is anywhere near his level, enjoy the looming relegation. pic.twitter.com/PQnV7AEx1n
Chelsea fans furthered their defence by bringing up stats and heatmap from the supposedly abhorrent performance which drew the harsh chant. The numbers go on to show that apparently, Gilmour was one of the standouts from Norwich’s lacklustre showing.
But Billy Gilmour is the problem? pic.twitter.com/gC6A2yIzqt
— Chelsea Loan Army (@CFCLoanArmy_) December 28, 2021
Billy Gilmour covered more blade of grass than any other Norwich player. pic.twitter.com/gINfQt1epf
— Mozo Football (@MozoFootball) December 28, 2021
Billy Gilmour was willing to play for Norwich v Villa with a temperature of 39 degrees.
— losriley💙⭐⭐ (@losriley) December 29, 2021
Norwich fans don't deserve him.
Not a PL standard club and has two bob fans.
A bit of animosity also seemed to brew between the two fanbases, as Chelsea fans bid the Canaries goodbye out of spite, in line with their impending relegation.
Norwich fans deserve relegation, Gilmour has been one of their best players this season pic.twitter.com/wT6tHHEECE
— Joel (@_moneymase19) December 28, 2021