Watford's head coach says he hopes the club’s supporters will focus on Troy Deeney’s performance on the pitch when creating songs after a small minority chanted about his off-field behaviour at Charlton Athletic.

A section of supporters at the Valley could be heard chanting ‘He will stamp on your face, that boy Troy Deeney, he’ll stamp on your face’ and a similar song which starts with ‘He hates the police’.

Deeney was recently released from prison after serving two-and-a-half months of a ten-month sentence for affray following a fight outside a nightclub, where the striker was filmed punching one student and then kicking him on the ground before punching another.

The Hornets striker apologised to the victim, the club and its supporters and has been superb during his three appearances since his return; playing a crucial role as the club ended their five-match winless run and secured back-to-back victories.

Gianfranco Zola said: “First of all I did not hear that [the chants] and secondly, for me Troy Deeney should be known for what he does on the pitch and that is what I believe the supporters should be focusing on.”

Several supporters contacted this newspaper after the game to express their disgust at the behaviour of the small minority of fans.

On a poll on our website, as of Thursday evening, 58 per cent said they wanted the club to condemn the chants, with 19 per cent stating they were not bothered and 23 replying no, they didn't want the club to condemn the chants.

The club had not commented when we went to print on Thursday.

Watford had a superb away following at Charlton, with 1,336 fans making the trip and creating a great atmosphere.

A few supporters ripped three advertising boards off the wall in the away end but they were not damaged and will be put back at minimal expense.