Fiorentina attacker Stevan Jovetic has pleaded with fans not to turn on the team.

The Viola were beaten 1-0 on home turf by bottom of the table Lecce, prompting a furious response from ultras who tried to break into the locker room and forced directors to leave the Stadio Franchi under a police escort.

"Dear fans, please do not abandon us, as your support is vital for Fiorentina," Jovetic told Brivido Sportivo.

"We understand your disappointment, but during the game it is indispensable that we hear your support. The jeers don't help.

"If at the final whistle we have been awful, then we deserve the harshest protests, but up until the end it is crucial that the fans do not abandon us for the good of Fiorentina.

"We are already looking ahead to the next game against Cagliari and we will not give in."