Nah, any real fan with a brain was rooting for Alain. Not only did he have an actual purpose to grow stronger unlike Ash, he had the skill and experience to back it up. Ash had to use a grossly forced special snowflake form that no one else had, and in doing so neglected his best friend Pikachu (who ironically had the best performance in that match). Ash failed as a trainer and as a friend.
