The 4,000 Watford supporters didn't need to wait long to vent their frustration at the players and the Pozzo family.
This was the first game in charge for Marco Silva's replacement Javi Gracia, the Italian owners' 11th manager in seven years.
And Jack Stephens' strike from inside the six-yard box after four minutes was the cue for protests.
'Watford FC, we sack who we want,' came the chant, which was directed at the board.