Chelsea loanee and current Crystal Palace star Conor Gallagher was subjected once again to homophobic abuse during Crystal Palace’s home Premier League fixture on the Monday Night Football against Leeds United.
Gallagher, 22, has yet again had to endure this type of abuse like he did in the reverse fixture against Marcelo Bielsa’s side (at the time) earlier this term and Millwall most notably in the FA Cup. It’s a chant that is well known by a lot of the Chelsea and the general LGBTQ+ community who strive to make football a more inclusive place for all. Patrick Vieira previously condemned the chanting in that FA Cup tie against Millwall.
“We as a football club are against any kind of discrimination,” said Vieira.
READ MORE: CPS and FA to take action over homophobic chants as Chelsea players targeted
“This is not something we want to see on the field. Taking the knee, this is something we are really proud to take and in every football club there are players making that decision.
“As a football club what is important is to show that we are against that discrimination.”
Fast forward more than three months and these ugly scenes have happened again as reported by football.london’s Crystal Palace reporter Mark Wyatt: “Leeds fans repeat the same homophobic chant they aimed at Conor Gallagher during the reverse fixture. Deplorable.”
On the pitch itself, the Blues loanee has impressed thoroughly this season. He missed the FA Cup semi-final recently against his parent club due to loan rules not being lifted between the Eagles and the Blues despite talks. The 22-year-old has re-entered the fray with two accomplished performances in the most recent Newcastle defeat and this contest in south London against Jesse Marsch’s revitalised Lilywhites outfit.
In the second half, the Three Lions international kept Vieira’s side ticking in attack with some beautiful link-up play including a delicious pass being threaded through to striker Jean-Philippe Mateta before the hour mark. He was the victim of a strong challenge from Leeds defender Luke Ayling which thankfully he came away unscathed.
Palace’s No.23 could have also had a penalty but Diego Llorente arguably got away with one despite a VAR check, shortly before seeing an effort from range fizz just over the bar. Unfortunately, all his involvement during this game will be overshadowed by the deeper issue that happened in the packed away end in Selhurst Park.
You can recap events from Crystal Palace vs Leeds on football.london’s live blog here.
Read More
Related Articles
Read More
Related Articles
https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/conor-gallagher-chelsea-palace-leeds-23783112
