Roy Hodgson reacts as 'fight' with Sheff Utd ace leaves Mike Dean lost for words

12 August 2023 , 17:25

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Roy Hodgson was involved in a fiery encounter with Max Lowe (Image: Premier League)

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson was at the heart of a furious showdown with Sheffield United star Max Lowe despite the Eagles’ perfect start to the season.

They travelled to Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon aiming to make it a winning start to the 2023-24 campaign. Palace did just that through Odsonne Edouard’s opener shortly after half-time.

Hodgson’s side remained firm to close out victory against the newly-promoted side.The three points would certainly have gone a long way to better the veteran’s mood after he was involved in a tense affair during the game. TV cameras showed the ball rolling towards Hodgson during the game. Blades defender Lowe attempted to retrieve it but only served in pushing the former England manager in the process.

That triggered a furious reaction from Hodgson, who appeared to angrily square up to Lowe. That left Palace striker Jordan Ayew acting as the peace-maker as he got between the two.

Speaking after the game, Hodgson cleared up the incident and suggested there was no lasting issue. He said: "I don't think he meant to catch me, chasing the ball to the side.

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“We both smiled about it. My first reaction of course when I received the blow was complain. But I think it was a pure accident, it was nothing."

Roy Hodgson was in a far better mood come the final whistle (Getty Images)

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Whilst Hodgson offered his view on the clash, there were also a few differing views. Sky pundit Clinton Morrison said: “Roy wants to fight someone! Nice man… Max Lowe's gone to get the ball. He thinks it's his throw. He's just tried to move Roy out of the way. Roy's grabbed him and said - don't do that again!

"There's a little bit of a melee. But it's alright. It's been sorted. Still 1-0. But it did make me laugh, because I'm thinking, you can't argue with Roy Hodgson can you Simon?"

In the meantime, former Premier League referee Mike Dean was asked about the incident and expressed his surprise at the showdown. He said: "To be fair, he's done it with a bit of skill Roy. He's just lost it a bit. I've never seen him get that irate ever!"

Hodgson will certainly be aiming to avoid any further issues as Palace aim to extend their winning start to the new campaign. The Eagles return to Selhurst Park next week to take on Arsenal, who opened their season with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

Elsewhere, Sheffield United will be aiming to get their first win back in the top-flight next Friday as they travel to the City Ground for a showdown with Forest.

Daniel Orme