Leicester City Fans Demand Star ‘Never Plays Again’ After ‘Unforgivable’ Performance vs Coventry

Leicester City suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to local rivals Coventry City in the Sky Bet Championship on January 17, 2026, at the Coventry Building Society Arena, igniting fury among Foxes supporters.[1][2]

The match began brightly for Leicester, who took the lead after just 11 minutes through Jordan James's ninth league goal of the season. A sublime team move culminated in Abdul Fatawu's forward pass to Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who elegantly set up James to sweep home at the near post.[2] Moments later, De Cordova-Reid nearly doubled the advantage, forcing a stunning save from Coventry keeper Carl Rushworth, with Caleb Okoli heading wide from the corner.[2]

Coventry, leading the Championship table, threatened sporadically. Ephron Mason-Clark missed a spectacular overhead kick, nodding just past the post after a precise cross-field ball from Joel Latibeaudiere via Jay Dasilva.[2] Leicester had shipped seven goals in their prior two away league games but held firm until halftime.[2]

Disaster struck early in the second half as Ellis Simms equalized within two minutes, capitalizing on a fortuitous bounce to level the score.[2] Substitute Haji Wright, scoring his first since October, sealed Coventry's comeback winner, propelling Frank Lampard's Sky Blues to a vital three points amid a tight promotion race—just three points clear of second-placed Middlesbrough after a poor run.[2][3]

Fan backlash erupted online post-match, with Leicester supporters singling out Abdul Fatawu for savage criticism. Despite his assist for the opener, fans branded his overall display "unforgivable," citing defensive lapses, poor decision-making, and failure to track back as he "disappeared" after the break. Social media exploded with demands for the winger to "never play for Leicester again," calling his performance a betrayal in the derby loss. "Fatawu cost us everything—sell him now!" one viral post read, reflecting widespread rage.[2]

Attendance hit 31,410 for the electric clash, with Coventry's resilience under Lampard earning praise while Leicester's Marti Cifuentes faces mounting pressure.[3] The result intensifies the promotion battle, leaving fans baying for change.[1][2][3]

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