Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira kicked a fan of the home club after the lost away game against Everton (3-2) on Thursday evening. The former footballer had to fight his way through groups of supporters, who had flocked to the field to celebrate Everton’s survival.
Footage shows 45-year-old Vieira being harassed by an Everton supporter as he walks towards the changing rooms. Just as the fan stops with his provocations, Vieira turns and kicks the man down.
The supporter in question scrambled to his feet and then tried to redress Vieira, but several people intervened to prevent another collision. Afterwards, the 107-time international of France refused to comment on the incident.
Everton manager Frank Lampard did answer questions from Sky Sports† “I feel sorry for Patrick, because he had to run more than 70 meters across the field. But I don’t think there is much going on. What we have seen is pure discharge from supporters who stay with their club in the Premier League. “
It is not yet known whether the English Football Association will start an investigation into the incident. Earlier this week, things also went wrong with a field storm, after Nottingham Forrest had qualified for promotion at the expense of Sheffield United for the final of the play-offs. Sheffield captain Billy Sharp was headbutted by a home club fan. He was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison.
Vieira is in his first season as coach of Crystal Palace, the current number thirteen in the Premier League. The former midfielder caused a furore at Arsenal in his playing career and also wore the shirt of Cannes, AC Milan, Arsenal, Juventus, Internazionale and Manchester City. Vieira won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship with France.
For the app users, click on the tweet to watch Patrick Vieira kick an Everton supporter.
