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MAN YOU FIT?

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Steve Mandanda snapped with comedian Doc Brown

Palace's French goalkeeper left out of the squad to play Middlesbrough, but comedian Doc Brown finds him at Selhurst and say's 'HE's fit to play'

Steve Mandanda and Ben Bailey Smith - Doc Brown

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THE curious case of Crystal Palace goalkeeper Steve Mandanda.

And Palace fans will be scratching their heads as to why the Frenchman isn't starting in goal for the Eagles today - particularly after this tweet from comedian and rapper, Ben Bailey Smith.

that there was friction between the French players with Mandanda believed to be unhappy and intent on a return to France.


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He said: “Quite simply, everyone knows the attachment I have for Marseille.

"It would be a great pleasure to return, because my feeling for the club is enormous.

"If I have to return to France it will be with Marseille and nobody else."

 French goalkeeper Steve Mandanda was left out of the Palace side to face Middlesbrough this afternoon
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French goalkeeper Steve Mandanda was left out of the Palace side to face Middlesbrough this afternoonCredit: Reuters

Mandanda, dropped from the team for the game against Middlesbrough isn't the only player facing criticism - his French teammates including Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Flamini are under pressure too.

The Palace manager vented his anger in their direction ahead of the Boro game, saying:

“I’m the manager, and the system and tactics are my expertise, not theirs.

“When I set those out, they have to put them into practice. Stay focused, stay within the game-plan.

“I keep asking the players to listen, to learn, and go out and practise in training and take that practice on to the pitch on the Saturday.

 Under pressure Palace boss Sam Allardyce is clashing with some of his French stars
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Under pressure Palace boss Sam Allardyce is clashing with some of his French starsCredit: Getty Images

Allaryce will no doubt be focused on picking up three points against Middlebrough today.

Mandanda may watch on from the sidelines, but after rubbing up with the fans he may have sealed his ticket back to Marseille in the summer.
 A win for Palace today could take them out of the relegation zone.

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