 Boumsong and Babayaro were both signed by Souness |
Mark Lawrenson has criticised former team-mate Graeme Souness for his perseverance with defenders Jean-Alain Boumsong and Celestine Babayaro. Newcastle sacked Souness on Thursday after one point from six games but there was no sympathy from Lawrenson.
"The worse Boumsong became the more pig-headed and determined Souness was to dig his heels in and keep on playing him," Lawrenson told the Daily Mirror.
"Boumsong has become the biggest joke in the Premiership."
Lawrenson, who played with Souness at Liverpool, said Boumsong was "costing the team goals and points" and was not much more complimentary about Babayaro.
"Souness had assembled a half-decent midfield and his attack is good but they stand no chance with such a poor defence. The Frenchman (Boumsong) has become one of the worst players in the Premiership.
"And it doesn't stop there. Fancy bringing in Celestine Babayaro to strengthen your defence. He doesn't know the meaning of the word."
Souness signed Boumsong from Rangers for �8m in 2005 and also brought in Babayaro, from Chelsea for �1m.
MMIX
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Match of the Day - Post-match interviews 