Carlisle United have condemned “unacceptable” abuse directed at players, staff and manager Rob Elliott during recent games.
He previously spoke out during this weekend’s 2-2 draw with Southend, saying some comments “crossed the line”.
Georgie Kelly gave Cumbrians the lead after just four minutes but Southend hit back with goals from Leon Chambers-Pallion (83′) and Kyle McAdam (90+3′) before Georgie Kelly equalized in the 97th minute.
The result leaves Carlisle in 12th place in the National League table with nine points from seven games, while Southend are in fifth place with 14 points, three points behind leaders Boreham Wood.
Carlisle United manager Rob Elliott says he understands fans’ frustration following their 2-2 draw with Southend but some comments “went a little too far”. Interviewed at @BBC Voice.#bbcfootball #calaiunited #cumbrians pic.twitter.com/2R8gqRvxc7
— BBC Cumbria Sport (@bbccumbriasport) September 12, 2026
interviewer: “Just when we’re talking about these types of issues, when we were behind, it seemed like there were some fans who were having some conversations in the back. And some fans, I think other fans were trying to shut them down, saying you gotta go and so on, because that wasn’t working. What would you say to the fans now?”
Rob Elliot: “Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I think some of the abuse I received in the dugout during the game was completely unacceptable and unfair. “I think I’m a good person, I like this place, I’ve adapted well to it, we’ve worked hard and we’re trying to change the whole dynamic of the club.
“It’s been a very difficult three years, we’re not where we want to be and we’re trying to help and give everything. We’re trying to perform like, the last few home games you should have scored 10 goals, you should have scored 20 goals. I understand it’s frustrating, I totally understand, I totally understand.
“But I think we have to stay united because I think if people thought this was an unacceptable performance and that we were not going to be at the top of the table and top of the league at the end of the season, I would totally disagree because I think we are doing everything we can to achieve that.
“Ultimately, our performance at the end was not good. So I’m happy to take criticism and don’t worry about it. But I think it was a little too much and when we were applauded outside the stadium again, I think it was unacceptable.
interviewer: “I think people forget about you as a coach and your players…”
Rob: “Well, my son sat there and heard all of this. By the way, we’re talking about a very, very small number of people. So let’s not make it bigger than it is. That’s fine, by the way. I don’t have a problem with it. But make it reasonable. I guess if it’s reasonable, I’ll take it. But I think there’s something that’s not reasonable. A few people, two or three people.
“I think the reaction from the fans after the game said it all, my overall support, 99.9 per cent support was great, the people around me, the club. We want to win the game, I get it.
“But ultimately, over the last three years or so, we haven’t gotten to where we wanted to be. We need to make a big shift in everything, in every department, in every part of the club, in every culture, because the people here care, the owners care.
“They invest a lot of money, time and energy into the fans, the community and the club and I know it’s frustrating when things don’t work out, but if I didn’t believe in people I wouldn’t be here.
“I don’t think I’m working for good people, but I am, and I think we just have to keep getting better, keep pushing for a change in mentality, and when we do that we’ll keep making the lads better and getting results.
“I think we’re all here for this journey and we need to be committed to it because I think we’re going to get to where we want to be with a lot of talented people around us. It’s an amazing club with such a great fan base that’s in the heart of the community and we need to make sure we continue to believe in that because when the going gets tough, we stick together and eventually we’ll come out of it.”
Listen to the full interview here.
During the game, he stated that according to Club website: “I thought we were obviously the better team and should have won the game comfortably. The game probably should have been over at half-time and then we had a lot of chances again in the second half.
“When you’re in the lead, you have to take advantage of it because it stops the opponent from becoming risky and seals the game early.
“We’ve got to make sure we’re consistent in getting into those positions, but then we’ve got to capitalize on them.
“There were a lot of positives and I thought the lads showed real fight but we should have finished the game against a team that will be at the top this season.”
Backing Leo Duru after personal error led to Southend goal: “Leo has been absolutely top class for us.
“We will continue to support him because he will be a very important player for us and he has huge talent.
“The only reason you make a mistake is how you react and that’s what I want to see from him.”
Praising Georgie Kelly: “Georgi has been outstanding for us; he does a lot for the team, whether it’s being our goal or connecting plays. He’s a machine. He wants to stay healthy, he wants to compete and I’m really happy with how he performed. I’m happy he achieved his goal.”
On what was missing from his team’s performance: “We have to put the ball in the net. When you do your job you have a structure, you create width, runs, combinations and individual moments.
“When you get to the goal, you have to put the ball in the net.
“We can’t have another 25 or 30 shots at home and not take enough chances. We need to take responsibility for that.”
Looking ahead to midweek’s game against Forest Green, he said: “Now to rest, recover and prepare; we need to make sure we stay as fresh as possible and we will attack Tuesday’s game in the same way.
“Everything is there. We just have to start converting those performances into wins.”
Fans reacted, while Carlisle condemned “unacceptable” incidents targeting players and Rob Elliott at recent games…
@robmorley_:actually the people who abused him are definitely like Shan, as frustrated as anyone but you still support your club 👍
@cufcjoel: Disturbingly, I’m annoyed by the results and haven’t seen the results of these games, but I don’t recall Carlisle playing such an exciting, sustained style of football. Love watching us play this season, it’s a total need for a breath of fresh air but obviously there are limits to criticism
@karl72465: I don’t know why some people scolded him. If you are leaving the club.
@cufcstuff: What are the consequences of insulting a head coach (or player)? Even if you think he’s to blame…it’s counterproductive.
@warwickcufc: Well said Rob. Real progress has been made in the last 7 games and the fact that HT is not out of control is down to the players. I enjoy watching this team more than any other team in the last three years 👍
@blando98: We do have some of the worst fans in the country…if there’s even the slightest bit of a problem, they get really nasty. No need at all #cufc
@Alfiecufc: It’s definitely not his fault
@Niallmat90: No matter how the fans insult him, he just wants their heads to shake.
@joeleigh95:You’d have to be a complete idiot to abuse him, especially when he’s innocent of any fault
