Fans defend Vieira after Crystal Palace manager kicks Everton fan to the ground

Fans online are defending Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira after he kicked out at an Everton fan who goaded him after his side lost 3-2 at Goodison Park.

Footage emerged of the Crystal Palace manager seeming to lash out at a home supporter who was part of a mass pitch invasion following the Toffees' comeback win.

Asked about the incident, Vieira said: 'I've got nothing to say about that' and users on social media have rushed to defend him, with one saying: 'Good on him. Fans running on to the pitch abusing players/managers has to stop!'

Others also defended the Palace boss, saying: 'Patrick Vieira will get in trouble but, if football is serious about cracking down on pitch invasions, he absolutely shouldn't.

A similar response also called for Vieira not to be punished by the footballing authorities: 'Patrick Vieira should not face any action from the FA, but you watch them throw the book at the man, for being abused and intimidated while walking across the pitch, alone!

'Disgraceful scenes that should not be allowed.'

Another said: 'Imagine running up to, of all ex pros, Patrick Vieira! Waving your hands in his face, shoving him, and then being absolutely flabbergasted when turns round and flops you...'

Thousands of jubilant Everton supporters who had seen their side secure Premier League survival invaded the pitch following the match.

Vieira, unaccompanied by staff or security, made his way across the pitch towards the away dressing room which is housed in the Park End car park as a result of Covid protocols.

Footage on Sky Sports showed one fan goading Vieira with what looked to be obscene gestures and the angry Palace boss reacted by lashing out, first with his hand before kicking the individual who had approached him.

Vieira was then seemingly shoved by another Everton fan before others stepped in to ensure the 45-year-old could leave the pitch safely.

Everton manager Frank Lampard offered his support to Vieira following the incident.

'I feel for Patrick because I didn't get to speak to him at the end because of how it all erupted for us,' he said.

'Of course, he is running across the pitch of 80 yards across a lot of our fans, so it is not easy. But there were no issues that I know of.

'If done in the right way, I am happy for fans to stay on the pitch and enjoy it. As long as everyone is behaving and we don't see scenes like we did the other night, let them have their moment. It's what football is all about.

'Are we going to handcuff them to their seats? As long as they behave, no problem.'