Palace boss Roy Hodgson apologises for calling fans ‘spoiled’ over post-loss booing
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FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth - Selhurst Park, London, Britain - December 6, 2023 Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson looks dejected after the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge/File Photo
REUTERS
Manager Roy Hodgson has apologised for calling Crystal Palace fans "spoiled" after they booed the team following Wednesday's 2-0 English Premier League loss to Bournemouth.
The London side are winless since a Nov 4 victory at Burnley, losing their last three home games and slipping to 14th in the league after a bright start to the season with wins over Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
"The fans have been spoiled here in recent times," the 76-year-old had said after the Bournemouth loss. "They're used to seeing us do very well at home."
The former Liverpool and Inter Milan boss said on Friday that he regretted those remarks.
"I am distressed by my comments and choice of word," he told reporters.
"I would be devastated if they didn't think I appreciated them. I can understand their frustration so I owe them an apology because they've been so good to me during my five years at the club."
Hodgson's first stint at Palace ended in 2021 after the team placed 14th in back-to-back seasons. He returned in March 2023 and broke a 12-game winless streak to earn 18 points in 10 games. They finished 11th, their best since his first season.
Palace visit second-placed Liverpool on Saturday. REUTERS