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‘I stayed on the pitch because it hurts me’ - Cantwell hits back at critics
Todd Cantwell has taken to social media to defend his act of public dejection after Norwich City's loss to Brighton. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Todd Cantwell has hit back at criticism over his public display of disappointment after Norwich City’s defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 22-year-old was pictured sat on the turf looking dejected for a substantial period of time after the final whistle following City’s 1-0 defeat to the Seagulls two weeks ago - a result which all but confirmed their relegation back to the Championship.
City’s sporting director Stuart Webber reflected on the club’s relegation in a wide-ranging interview with local media on Monday, where he stated that he was keen to rectify the mistakes made this season.
“Now it is about moving forward. I got it badly wrong. I am not ashamed to admit that. But I am not sulking or lying on a football pitch hoping someone takes a picture of me. What is the best way to fix this? By putting it right.”
In an Instagram post defending his actions, Cantwell wrote: “I stayed on the pitch because it hurts me. I didn’t want to act like I was okay in the changing room so I removed myself and reflected.”
Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell has explained why he took a moment on the pitch after City's defeat to Brighton. Picture: Todd Cantwell/Instagram - Credit: Archant
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City’s relegation was sealed a week later following a 4-0 thrashing to West Ham United - a game which epitomised their level of performance following the Premier League’s resumption last month.
Cantwell’s actions have been criticised in some quarters as a form of attention seeking, with the midfielder seeing plenty of abuse thrown his way over inconsequential matters, including his hairstyles and boot selections.
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The England Under-21 international is City’s second leading goalscorer this season and has impressed during his debut season in the top-flight.
The Dereham-born midfielder has made 35 appearances for City this season, scoring on six occasions and assisting twice. His name has been continuously linked with the so-called ‘Big Six’ this season.
Todd Cantwell will always be considered Dereham';s finest, according to Ian Clarke Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Cantwell was the subject of intense scrutiny last season following a perceived poor performance against Wigan Athletic - something City’s academy graduate has reflected on with emotion since.
Cantwell has been one of the Canaries brightest attacking talents this season - with his level of performance seeing him earn plaudits across the footballing spectrum.
Cantwell is City's second top scorer this season with six goals. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
