Palace coach suspended over shower allegations

CRYSTAL PALACE have suspended their long- serving academy director Gary issott over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

the club have launched an investigation into claims issott attempted to shower with members of the Under 18 team at an away fixture earlier this season.

it is understood there was only one shower facility at the ground in question.

Details of the incident were passed to the club’s head of safeguarding, marcus puddephatt, and then relayed to the Crystal palace board.

there is no suggestion that issott made any physical advances towards players.

palace suspended issott and informed the Fa earlier this month after a member of staff overheard two academy players discussing his alleged conduct.

But the initial concerns are believed to centre around inappropriate jokes issott is alleged to have made in the presence of Under 18 players.

the club have interviewed academy players and their parents as part of their investigation and the Fa and premier league have been kept informed.

No official complaint has been made by any of the academy’s players or their parents.

palace hope to conclude their enquiry later this week, when they will forward their findings to the governing bodies.

‘Crystal palace Football Club has suspended its academy director over a disciplinary matter,’ read a palace statement.

‘No complaints were received from members of the academy or their parents, but the club is carrying out an investigation after receiving information.

‘the findings will be passed to the Fa, which has imposed an interim suspension while the investigation is under way.’

palace will provide their own recommendation in terms of any punishment once their investigation is complete.

the Fa will then carry out a risk assessment before determining the best course of action.

issott has helped develop players such as Wilfried zaha, Victor moses and Nathaniel Clyne in more than 20 years working at the club.