Cole's inexplicable blunder led to Kazakhstan's surprise goal in the home side's 5-1 World Cup qualifying win.

Although Capello had called for the England fans to get behind their team, an element of the 90,000 sell-out crowd reacted immediately and jeered Cole every time he touched the ball.

Football Association officials were at pains to stress it was only a minority of fans involved, but Capello feels their actions were counter-productive.

"The supporters have to understand these things are possible," he said.

"When you play and work in sport, you can make mistakes.

"If that happens, you have to support the team. It is not good to boo one player. (The fans) were supporting the team - but when Ashley Cole has the ball they boo. I do not understand that."

Cole's Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard has often been jeered at Wembley in the past, while Tottenham's David Bentley was verbally attacked over his decision to pull out of the England Under-21s squad last year so late that coach Stuart Pearce had no time to call up a replacement for the European Championships.

The FA are keen to ensure the England fans - who have cleaned up their act in recent years - remain fully behind the team.

"It is unacceptable to boo Ashley," said director of communications Adrian Bevington.

"(Stand-in captain) Rio (Ferdinand) has said the supporters should be ashamed of themselves, and quite rightly so.

"We want different supporters to the ones who were booing.

"But it is not completely one-way traffic. We had a massive crowd, the vast majority of whom were fantastic in supporting the team.

"In the end, there were as many people making their own presence felt by shouting down those who were booing as those who were booing in the first place."

Capello offered Cole some reassurance immediately after the game, although he too had words of praise for the majority.

"I told Ashley it is okay, and there are no problems," he said.

"But someone in the dressing room told me the crowd clapped Ashley Cole after the game. This is very important - because overall, I think the crowd were fantastic."

Ferdinand, who scored the opening goal, said: "The booing was disappointing because overall the fans were very good and made it an intimidating atmosphere for the opposing team.

"It was good to be in an environment like that. But then that happens, and it leaves a sour taste in your mouth.

"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."

Ferdinand believes the crowd reaction must be put into context.

"Has there been trepidation about playing at Wembley?" he asks.

"I think there has been a bit of agitation, and maybe there were more nerves than usual - because of the atmosphere there had been in the last few games.

"I saw a definite positive change in the way the fans got behind us, especially in the first half.

"It is an ongoing thing. We have to make sure we keep the fans happy, keep them smiling, keep putting backsides on seats - and if we do that by winning games, I'm sure we will turn it all on our side."

Midfielder Lampard added: "The booing is a negative, because I think Ashley Cole is the best left-back in the world - and I am fortunate enough to play every week alongside him at Chelsea.

"People make mistakes, from football players to everyone in life. Ashley has been faultless this season and has made one mistake.

"There was some booing, but I think there was a reaction as well from people who tried to clap him and were trying to help him get over that."

Striker Jermain Defoe, who scored England's final goal, said: "Personally speaking I was very surprised at the reaction towards Ashley.

"It was a little bit harsh. He has always played well for England, and I hope the fans can take it back in the next game and just get behind him - because he is a fantastic player.

"Ashley didn't deserve that at all. He is one of the best full-backs in the world."

Emile Heskey admitted defenders are more likely to come in for stick from the fans than forwards.

He said: "If a striker makes a mistake, he has got the chance to put things right and score a goal. If a defender makes an error, it can cost a goal."