Elton John speaks out as Watford crisis deepens

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 16:32 · Archive

Sir Elton John expressed upset at Watford's decline following a 4-0 home defeat to Burnley.

Sir Elton John expressed public criticism of Watford following the club's 4-0 home defeat to Burnley. In a now-deleted Instagram comment, the legendary singer and lifetime supporter wrote: 'As a lifetime supporter of Watford FC, I am very upset and disappointed at the decline over the past few weeks. I really feel for the other supporters who have to watch this.'

The comment sparked significant response among the fanbase. Manager Alessio Dionisi subsequently apologised to John, and the Pozzo family's ownership has come under scrutiny. The club has made four managerial appointments in 2026 and 28 since the family purchased Watford in the summer of 2012.

Watford's recent record is poor, winning just three of their last 21 Championship games. Dionisi remains in post despite the pressure, in what The Guardian describes as uncharacteristic restraint from the usually trigger-happy owners. Daily Mail Sport reports that John has been in contact with chairman Scott Duxbury following his public statement.

How it is being reported

• Football Daily | Watford, a ‘fake news’ sacking and an apology to Elton JohnSign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now! There are only two things certain in life – death and taxes Reece James knack and Watford managerial news – and Football Daily’s bingo card lit up with both on Friday. But while Chelsea’s statement on their crocked right-back having successful knee surgery was a cut-and-paste job from the last time James was injured, the quotes by Watford manager Alessio Dionisi were much more exciting, mainly because it contained an actual apology to Elton John and the remarkable news that the club’s trigger-happy owners have not already sent the Italian…The Guardian · 16 Oct, 15:37
• Burn down the mission: Inside the Watford 'circus' as Elton John leads irate fans in revolt - 'crazy' meddling from on high, players turning on executives, staff fleeing 'unrecognisable' club and why Gino Pozzo is struggling to sellOver the past few days, Watford have come to discover that when it comes to his beloved football club, if Sir Elton John speaks out, soon does everyone else.Daily Mail Sport · 16 Oct, 12:31

In this story: Elton John · Watford FC · Gino Pozzo · Alessio Dionisi · Burnley · Vicarage Road

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