Ipswich Town legend Kevin Beattie says he was ‘humbled’ by the minute’s applause he received during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Watford.

On an afternoon which arguably saw the best and the worst of Blues fans, a crowd of 16,385 rose to acclaim the club’s greatest ever player in the 60th minute just three days after his 60th birthday.

Five minutes before that Blues boss Mick McCarthy had gesticulated angrily towards the home fans after a number of them began to get on Luke Hyam’s back after the 22-year-old midfielder had over-hit a pass into touch.

“I had an unbelievable day,” said Beattie. “I just want to thank everyone who made it special. The minute’s applause during the game was so humbling.

“During the radio show (on BBC Suffolk) I got to catch up with so many of the lads (including George Burley, Paul Mariner, Brian Talbot, Russell Osman, Arnold Muhren and Frans Thijssen) and on the way to the ground I got stopped for so many autographs. I just want to say a big thank you to all the fans – they’re the best around.”

That wasn’t a sentiment shared by McCarthy at the weekend. In the past the Blues boss has praised the realism and patience of Town supporters, admitting they do not turn on their side as quickly as those at his former clubs Wolves and Sunderland, but he made no secret of his disdain for those who jeered Hyam when the score was still 0-0.

David McGoldrick went on to open the scoring from the penalty spot, Troy Deeney’s poacher’s finish levelled things up before Hyam missed a golden chance to snatch all three points at the death when he headed against the crossbar from close-range.

“I told them to shut up,” said McCarthy. “He’s running around with an egg on his head (sustained in a first half collision), he’s a local lad, we going for Category One (academy) status, we want 50% of our players to come from our academy and he was getting the bird. I don’t like it.

“Support our players. When you’re having a tough time that’s when you need somebody to pat you on the back and cheer you on.

“I want my fans to make it hard for the opposition, not for us. Be hostile towards the team in the other coloured shirts.”

– Join Ipswich Town writer Stuart Watson at 1pm today for a live webchat.