Wilfried Zaha banned for obscene gesture

England wonder-kid Wilfried Zaha has been banned for one match after he recently made an obscene gesture to Leeds supporters in a match between Crystal Palace and Leeds United. The Crystal Palace winger has also been fined £3,000 for his actions.

Although Zaha’s actions are inexcusable, the club’s officials spoke to Zaha and believe that racial slurs from the fans provoked the 20 year old. Other Crystal Palace players have backed their team mate by saying that they heard the fans verbally abusing him. Club manager Ian Holloway has said he is also aware of the racial abuse that his star player gets.

Despite the facts that suggest Zaha acted after being provoked by the fans, the FA disciplinary panel decided to not excuse the player. Manchester United have also warned the player that such actions will not be tolerated at Old Trafford.

The England international had gone on Twitter to apologize to the Leeds supporters immediately after the match, saying, “I…wanted to apologise for the gesture I did towards the Leeds fans in yesterday’s game. Very unprofessional from me.”