"It’s an absolute disgrace" - Paul Merson drops "flabbergasted" claim on Luton Town | OneFootball

Luton Town earned a 2-1 win over relegation rivals Cardiff City on Tuesday night

Paul Merson has criticised the Luton Town players following their 2-1 win over Cardiff City on Tuesday night.

The Hatters earned a valuable three points in their bid to avoid relegation to League One just 12 months after dropping down from the Premier League.

The gap to the Bluebirds in 21st is now just two points with nine games left to play each, giving the club hope that survival can be achieved.

But, regardless of whether they finish 21st or 22nd, there is no denying that it’s been a disappointing campaign for the team.

Merson criticises Luton Town squad

Merson has claimed he would be ashamed if he was in this Luton squad for their disappointing performances this season.

While he acknowledged the players who left in the summer, naming Ross Barkley and Albert Sambi Lokonga, he believes that their departure isn’t an excuse for the drop-off in form.

“I’m flabbergasted with Luton, I really am,” said Merson, via Sky Sports.

“I know they lost a couple of players, Barkley who was very good for them and Lokonga, but it wasn’t like they were getting 20 goals.

“You were not taking a lot of goals away from them.

“I remember this Luton team taking Man City and Liverpool and Arsenal and Chelsea to the death in games at Kenilworth Road, and now they’re sitting where they are.

“I think it’s an absolute disgrace.

“I think it’s a disgrace, I would be ashamed if I were one of their players, I’d be ashamed.

“I think they’ve turned up there this year and thought ‘we should be playing in the Premier League,’ well prove you should be playing in the Premier League.

“It’s an absolute joke.”

Luton are currently 23rd in the Championship table following Tuesday night’s win and face Middlesbrough next on 15 March.

Merson’s criticism of Luton is justified

Luton supporters have run out of patience with their team this season given how stark the difference has been compared to the last few years.

The Hatters fought admirably in the Premier League despite lacking the resources to realistically stay up.

Many had expected them to be in the mix for a top six finish this campaign, at the very least, so this drop off has really come as a surprise.

Matt Bloomfield has been unable to make much of an impact since replacing Matt Bloomfield too, suggesting there is a greater issue at hand than just the manager in the dugout.