ROME, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Lazio fans boycotted Sunday's home game with Atalanta to show their dissatisfaction with club president Claudio Lotito.

Lotito has been accused of a lack of ambition by Lazio supporters, though the club owner has insisted that their debt had been reduced.

Lazio fans were getting more upset after their star player Hernanes was sold to inter in the January transfer window.

And matters came to a head on Sunday when Lazio fell to a 1-0 defeat in front of a virtually empty stadium, with one banner reading: "It's him or us."

Lazio head coach Edy Reja was very frustrated with the fans no-show.

"It's a real shame to see the Olimpico deserted," he said.

"We were in the running to reach important places in the league, but it's difficult to play in these conditions," he said.

"We need to get closer to each other and let go of the past. Solutions can be found and this situation is damaging the club," he added.