Stand-in captain Rio Ferdinand, supporters' representatives, the Football Association and coach Fabio Capello all had their say.

Cole had a rare off-night for the Three Lions and made the mistake which saw Kazakhstan score a surprise second-half goal in England's 5-1 World Cup qualifying victory.

The full-back's every touch was subsequently booed by a section of the crowd although other supporters, in turn, directed their displeasure at the fans abusing Cole.

The FA, while delighted at the support received from most of a capacity 90,000 crowd, felt let down by those who attacked Cole.

"It is crazy that a section of our own supporters are booing one of our own players," said FA director of communications Adrian Bevington.

"That is clearly not going to help the team during the course of a game, and certainly not the individual being booed."

Booing has been a feature of the new Wembley, and Bevington continued: "Unfortunately, we are all aware that we have had problems of this kind since we have come back here.

"That is why (England coach) Fabio Capello stressed before the game we needed the crowd with us. The supporters (on Saturday) really got behind us for the vast majority of the game, and there was a great atmosphere during the first half in particular.

While the FA would have preferred the widespread booing at half-time had not taken place either – following a goalless opening period – they can see the difference.

"We accept fans are entitled to express their opinions and views on the team's performance – it is part of football," added Bevington. "But booing individual players does not help."

Football Supporters' Federation international co-ordinator Kevin Miles insists only a minority of England fans booed Cole, but he also defended their right to do so.

Miles, who was at Wembley, said: "I hardly heard it, though I was aware of it. It seemed to be a minority. People have obviously paid their money and have every right to express their opinion.

"However, I personally believe once the team have gone out there and are playing, fans should do what they can to try to improve or support what they are trying to do.

"I can't imagine a situation in which a player being booed every time he touches the ball, no matter what mistake he has made before then, is going to feel more confident or lifted by the experience."

Ferdinand and Capello were both incredulous over the mean spirit among some of the crowd.

"Everyone is human, and people make mistakes," Ferdinand reasoned. "We are big enough to hold our hands up when we have made a mistake, but it is not made any easier when you have got your own fans booing you.

"A lot of the fans did try to clap Ashley, and I think you've got to rally round as players and supporters when anyone makes a mistake.

"I am sure those people who booed, on reflection, when they sit at home, will be a little bit ashamed of themselves – and they won't do it again."

Capello commented: "I couldn't understand the crowd booing Ashley Cole after he made a mistake.

"It is possible for one player to make a mistake. It is very important that the crowd help him and do not boo him."

The English supporters' behaviour also perplexes Chris Iwelumo, another international who failed to do himself justice at the weekend.

On debut for Scotland, the Wolves striker failed to direct a simple tap-in on target into an unguarded net from a couple of yards out.

After his team therefore had to settle for a goalless draw at home to Norway, he was heartened by the Hampden crowd – and astounded when he heard of events at Wembley.

"The Ashley Cole situation is one that I can't really comprehend. If England have fans doing that, it makes no sense to me," he said.

"They won 5-1 – what else can the England team do? They are a bunch of fantastic players, and Ashley Cole is a world-class player.

"If people are judging him on what they read in the papers, that's wrong. It's about what he does on the pitch – and that can't be argued with really."