TO boo or not to boo, that is the question.

Whether ‘tis horribler for fans to suffer in silence or give the team a piece of their mind has been raised this week by Emmanuel Adebayor.

The Spurs striker hit out at his club’s fans for giving their own players grief.

We know that feeling very well at Bolton Wanderers, don’t we?

The sound of booing has been commonplace in Bolton stands for a few years now and the question of whether it is the right thing for fans to do has been broached on numerous occasions.

And, let’s not aim this solely at Bolton and Spurs. Jeering your own players happens at every club – yes, even the darlings of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Why? Because fans are neither emotionless nor paid by the club and feel that if players, managers or chairmen are letting down their club they have the right to let them know.

And rightly so.

Adebayor says Spurs are better off playing away where the support from the travelling fans is more positive.

He adds that players – particularly younger ones – are frightened to get the ball at home in case they mess up and the boo-boys turn on them.

Well, boo hoo. If they are that soft they shouldn’t be playing in the first place.

Adebayor should have been at the Reebok/Macron Stadium over the last few years.

Booing might have well been the musical soundtrack when Gary Megson was in charge, such was the animosity expressed towards him from the Bolton supporters.

Then end of the Owen Coyle regime also brought its fair share of jeers, while Dougie Freedman probably thinks the only noise Bolton people can make is a booing one.

The argument a lot of people put forward is that people shouldn’t boo during games because it puts the team off.

This is usually argued by the people from within the club and they may have a point.

While it has never be proven, it is reasonable to assume that shouting abuse at and booing a player when he is playing may affect his confidence, concentration and determination to do well.

Maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t, but that’s what the clubs will tell you.

The disgruntled fans, on the other hand, will argue it is pointless booing when the team is leaving or has left the pitch. The impact is hugely weakened or even irrelevant if the target of their frustration isn’t there.

What has happened since Freedman has gone, of course, shows how much nicer it is to cheer.

Neil Lennon has brought a feelgood factor back – as well as three wins out of three at home – and the sound of booing has been replaced by the right kind of noise.

But if things turn pear-shaped again and the fans want to vent their anger the question will arise again – to boo or not to boo.

My advice is to ignore Adebayor and do what you like. You’re the paying customer.