Patrick Vieira appears to kick-out at Everton fan during pitch invasion
Everton beat Crystal Palace 3-2 to save themselves from Premier League relegation
Last updated 20th May 2022
There were huge celebrations from Everton fans and players on the pitch at Goodison Park last night as they secured their Premier League safety in spectacular comeback win.
Frank Lampard's side were 2-nil down as the whistle blew for half-time but they managed to turn it around in the second half to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 to ensure they can't be releagated with just one game left of the season.
But the win is slightly overshadowed this morning after Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira was reportedly involved in a confrontation with a fan who had run onto the pitch and appeared to taunt him.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's winner with five minutes to go prompted a small pitch invasion and a brief interruption in play but at the final whistle thousands streamed on to the field.
Footage posted on social media shows Vieira, unaccompanied by staff or security, making 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, when he is confronted by a fan who appears to gesture in the Frenchman's face.
Vieira appears to respond by first grabbing the man and then swinging a kick at him before other supporters come to his aid and usher him away.
The FA are now investigating.
Vieira did not comment on the incident, which came to light after his post-match press conference, but Everton counterpart Frank Lampard offered his support.
"I feel for Patrick. I didn't get him at the end. I would have said, 'come in with us' - although he might not have wanted that.
"Of course he ran 80 yards across the pitch and it's not easy."
On the pitch invasion itself Lampard said: "It was pure elation of fans who have come on the pitch after avoiding relegation.
"If it is done in the right way let them stay on the pitch, let them have their moment. As long as they behave, no problem."