Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira will NOT face any action from the FA after kicking an Everton fan

Patrick Vieira will not face any action from the Football Association following his altercation with an Everton fan last week.

Crystal Palace manager Vieira was confronted by a supporter who goaded and abused the Frenchman during the pitch invasion that followed Everton’s 3-2 win.

Having initially tried to ignore the provocation Vieira kicked out the supporter who was also recording the incident.

Vieira appeared to be involved in an incident with a fan after the 3-2 defeat to Everton

Merseyside Police announced on Monday that they would not be taking the matter any further and the FA have now followed suit.

After reviewing the flashpoint and everything that led up to it the FA have taken a common sense approach in deciding not to punish Vieira.

Concerns have been expressed across the game about the safety of players, managers and club staff and how they are being left exposed to situations like the one involving Vieira at Goodison Park following a spate of pitch invasions in the closing weeks of the season.

And the FA are continuing to investigate the pitch invasions that marred the game along with the two clubs and police, leaving the threat of sanctions hanging over Everton.

 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 the 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.

Speaking on Sky, pundit Dion Dublin criticised the conduct of the fans and suggested he did not blame Vieira for responding.

Vieira was targeted as he attempted to walk across the pitch following his side’s defeat

‘We know how overjoyed the Everton fans are but you can’t be doing that. You can’t be pushing managers and pushing players, touching players and shouting in their faces,’ said Dublin.

‘We know it is only one or two who spoiled it for everyone else. Having fans on the pitch is not the way forward. We need to stop letting fans, or allowing fans to get on the pitch. It is too dangerous.’

Vieira also spoke out about the incident, by saying: ‘I think the Everton incident is bigger than just that incident. When you look at it in the Premier League, there were a lot of field invasions that can cause trouble.

Vieira urged authorities to ensure the safety of players and coaches in their workplace

‘There are real issues here to reflect on and try to see what is the best way to manage it and to deal with it. You don’t know what can happen. When you don’t know what can happen of course you fear for anything, for the players.

‘We want to be safe and the best way to do that is we need to reflect on what is the best way for those kind of things not to happen on the field. As a coach, manager, player or staff we want to be safe in our workplace. 

‘I think there is a big issue on the FA and Premier League’s plate to deal with. They need the support and the club and the players to get involved. Everybody has to take responsibility and see what is the best way for those things not to happen.’