ST MIRREN star Jeroen Tesselaar has defended himself after he was alleged to have launch a stinging attack on Paisley and Buddies fans in an interview in Holland.

The defender was quoted in Dutch magazine Voetbal International criticising Scottish football and also blasted former club Kilmarnock.

In the article, Tesselaar painted a less than complimentary picture of the town and the Saints support and is reported to have said: "Paisley is a s**thole. It is a little town with a bad reputation and high unemployment.

"Fans in Holland will go to the stadium, watch the match and then go back to everyday stuff. But football is much more a part of people's lives here.

"That is certainly the case for St Mirren's fans as Paisley has little else to offer. People here prefer to spend the little money they have left on the club than on their families. Their passion drips from the stands.

"It is not the case that fans in Scotland sing throughout the matches - they swear above all. But the game means a lot to them, I understand that."

Tesselaar has made 27 appearances for the Buddies this season and is set to feature when Gary Teale's side face Hamilton this weekend in search of a crucial three points to aid their battle to beat the drop.

The defender has denied criticising Paisley in the controversial interview and hit back at claims that appeared yesterday morning.

He said: "I am also really disappointed that some quotes attributed to me must be the reporters opinion, for example swearing and his description of St Mirren Park.

"I came back to St Mirren as I loved being here the first time and I enjoy my football here.

"I'm also disappointed that I have to deal with this issue when we are preparing for yet another big game this weekend.

"The fans should be in no doubt that I have a lot of affection for them and our club and my efforts are always to do the best for them and the club, on and off the park."