‘He deserves the love from the fans’ – Glasner praises Mateta’s attitude after scoring twice in win over Newcastle

‘He deserves the love from the fans’ – Glasner praises Mateta’s attitude after scoring twice in win over Newcastle

Oliver Glasner says Jean-Philippe Mateta “deserved the love” from the Crystal Palace fans after scoring twice to give his side victory over Newcastle.

Mateta equalised following William Osula’s opener before scoring a penalty in second-half stoppage time to secure all three points.

The Frenchman was close to leaving Palace in January before his proposed move to AC Milan collapsed.

But Glasner says he has never doubted his striker’s commitment.

“It is what he deserves,” Glasner said on the reaction from the supporters. “He has done so much for Palace and this group. As we know in life, you sometimes have tough moments. It’s about supporting each other and that’s what we did with JP.

“He also worked so hard to get back to fitness. He always said as soon as it was clear he had to stay at the club that it was OK and he will work hard to help team win matches and to get to our objectives. That’s why he deserves this love from the fans.”