Potless Palace facing up to curse of FA Cup’s losing finalistsnalists

Some people would have you believe the FA Cup is not all it’s cracked up to be. Well, the game between Sutton United and Arsenal gave them plenty of ammunition. The non- league side’s decision to partner with the betting arm of The Sun newspaper left a bad taste before the game started, but that became sickening once their reserve keeper was filmed eating a pie on the bench.

It so happened that such an event was one of the bets offered by Sutton’s new sponsors, so Wayne Shaw’s mid- match meal resulted in an FA and Gambling Commission investigation into fixed gambling and his subsequent resignation from the playing staff, which he handed in while “in tears.” The roly- poly goalie – as everyone is obliged to call him – has also lost his role as Sutton’s goalkeeping coach.

This will all likely be forgotten by the next round as thoughts turn to Wembley, but the showpiece in May might be a poisoned chalice. The losing finalists of the 2015 and 2014 FA Cup were relegated from the Premier League the following season. The losing finalists of last year’s, Crystal Palace, face the very real possibility of them continuing the curse.

The South London side, who had a strong case for feeling hard done by in losing to Manchester United in extra time in May, are second bottom of the Premier League and only separated from the foot of the table on goal difference. It’s safe to say they have not kicked on as anticipated following the appointment of Sam Allardyce and look relegation in the eye.

Palace’s predecessors in falling in the final, Hull City and Aston Villa, offer a glimpse into the future if they do go down. Hull came back up to the top flight again but they are involved in this season’s relegation dogfight, while Aston Villa under former Hull manager Steve Bruce are just above the quagmire in the Championship.

Then again, Palace can still stay up and that starts with this weekend’s game where they take on Middlesbrough at Selhurst Park. The visitors are currently fifth from bottom but only two points above the rel- egation places.

So while Palace could come a cropper from this cup curse, Boro could go one better by reaching a final and going down. They did that in 1997 when they lost the FA Cup and League Cup finals and were relegated in one season. But their fans will surely bet on the risk of rerunning 1997 in 2017 for a chance at a silver lining to a rather drab season. That’s the kind of gamble that restores your faith in the FA Cup.