Vocal group of Crystal Palace fans turn up heat on Roy Hodgson and his players before Brighton derby

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

A vocal section of Crystal Palace’s fanbase have slammed the tactics of Roy Hodgson – and piled more pressure on Monday’s derby at Brighton.

The Holmesdale Fanatics put a banner outside the club’s training ground on Tuesday. The message on it read: ‘Palace pandemic of apathy. Change this mentality. Restore the pride and ambition’.

The group also posted a statement on their Twitter account.

“Losing games without a fight, flair players shackled in negative formations, a lack of leadership and pride on the pitch. This is not the Palace way.

“Our safety-first approach is being exposed and our spineless, defensive tactics show no ambition or vision.

“Consolidating just above the relegation zone with no plan for progress is not sustainable and breeds a negative atmosphere. This and the continued disregard for cup competitions shows a lack of respect towards supporters.

“The committed supporters deserve better. The club is sitting on huge potential but apathy is limiting ambition.

“Brighton next Monday will expose those who care and those who don’t.”

Palace have won three of their last 14 matches and failed to score in four of their last seven fixtures.

But Hodgson has nine first-teamers unavailable – including star attacker Wilfried Zaha.

The Eagles are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Brighton. Jordan Ayew netted in a 1-0 win on Palace’s most recent visit to the Amex Stadium in February 2020.

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