Roy Hodgson is labelled ‘unhinged’ after he spits in disgust following Crystal Palace’s late defeat at Chelsea

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson’s reaction to their late defeat to Chelsea, where he spat in disgust on the pitch, has sparked a division among fans. The 76-year-old’s actions, caught on camera after Noni Madueke’s 89th-minute penalty secured a 2-1 victory for Chelsea, led to a range of opinions on social media.

Some fans praised Hodgson’s apparent ‘zero f***s approach’ this season, finding entertainment in the manager’s unhinged demeanor. Others highlighted the humor in seeing a 76-year-old manager exhibiting such emotions, referring to it as part of his ‘Retirement tour.’

However, not everyone was impressed, with some calling for a ban and expressing disappointment in Hodgson’s behavior. One fan commented that the legendary manager should ‘know better’ at his age. Another claimed to be ‘recoiling’ from the short clip.

The controversy stemmed from a VAR-awarded penalty in the game, where Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze fouled Noni Madueke in the box. Hodgson, addressing the penalty after the match, expressed frustration with the VAR process, stating, ‘We just have to accept there’s two referees every game.’

Crystal Palace, after eight consecutive games without a win, find themselves just four points above the relegation zone. Their upcoming fixtures include a match against Brentford and an FA Cup tie against Everton before a two-week winter break.