Christophe Berra admits the pressure from supporters has got to some Hearts players after a mass protest was held outside Tynecastle following their 3-2 loss to Motherwell.
Scores of fans angrily stormed the front doors of the stadium after the defeat.
Craig Levein's men sit bottom of the Scottish Premiership table with no wins from their opening five fixtures.
READ MORE: Hearts lead Hibernian in race to bottom of the league
And fans weren't slow in making their feelings known after the game.
Banners saying "Levein out" were flown outside the ground.
Experienced Berra, 34, watched the scenes unfold and maintains the support were well within their rights to share their frustrations.
But he believes some players may be feeling the strain of the fans' demands.
Speaking on the Ladbrokes Social Club show, Berra said: "We all know Tynecastle, when you're winning, it's one of the best places to play your football.
READ MORE: Ex-Hearts manager Jim Jefferies suffers serious heart attack while golfing at Gullane
"At the moment we're on a terrible run and the fans are showing their frustration.
"Obviously it's getting to some of the players and affecting performances.
"Teams are coming here with more confidence than usual and knowing if they can keep us quiet or score an early goal, the crowd are going to get on our back which they have every right.
"It's going to be a tough game but a nervous one for both teams because Hibs are struggling a bit as well."
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