Crystal Palace fine Eberechi Eze for attending QPR FA Cup tie and not wearing face covering

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Eberechi Eze has been fined by Crystal Palace after attending QPR’s FA Cup tie against Fulham last weekend.

The 22-year-old South Londoner was pictured in the directors’ box at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium and was not wearing a face covering.

QPR manager Mark Warburton has already said they must take blame for their former player – who joined the Eagles for £20million in August – being admitted into the stadium.

Palace boss Roy Hodgson said: “It was very disappointing. It was a lot of naivete on his part , thinking it was okay to do those things. It obviously isn’t.

“I know QPR have taken some responsibility, because had we known he was going to do that then we would have stopped it.

“He has apologised and he will learn a harsh lesson. We will have to act internally to take measures and make sure it is a lesson which is well and truly learned.

“It does merit a fine – a slap on the wrist really isn’t enough. We don’t want any of our players breaching coronavirus rules and regulations that have been put out there.

“I don’t think it was a determined gesture on his part to go out and break a rule – but he did break a rule. He has been made very much aware that we take it seriously. We’re not happy with him at all.

“The only way we can show that is by fining him, which is something I’m not a big fan of over the years. I think any player who has worked with me will say that I’m not one to go straight for the fines.

“But on this occasion this error of judgement deserves it.”