The new Rovers boss seems to understand that some supporters will show their feelings after a game, especially after another loss.
What Appleton may be missing is that it is not just the players and manager that the boos and jeers are aimed at, but the powers that be and owners are also getting their share.
Out on the pitch, the bright part of the day was that Jordan Rhodes is still knocking them in and he hit his 15th of the season to pull Rovers level after Dale Stephens had given Charlton the lead.
Unfortunately for Rovers, Yann Kermorgant claimed the last word and the last goal as the visitors ran out 2-1 winners.
"I think the atmosphere in the stadium was a strange one so I think they've got to deal with that," Appleton told Sky Sports.
"They're a big fish in a smaller pond to what they were in last year in terms of the Premier League.
"There's added pressure that goes with that and they're going to have to cope with it because we have three home games coming up in quick succession and it's going to be a challenge for everyone.
"I'm sure the supporters just want to see a committed performance from the players. I think they huffed and puffed today but I'm not sure how committed they were once we conceded the second goal, which was a disappointment.
"There's no time to shirk your responsibilities. We're professional people, whether you're manager, coach or a player. You've got to take the responsibility that goes with it."