Dave

What a Summerslam.

Oh my, that's so sad. Completely forgot he was ill.

Dont worry, this will be the final post I make about this internal battle with my conscience ... I've spoken to a lot of people about this, including people who would have been directly affected by Kouyate's "Real Man" nonsense. There was a lot i hadnt originally considered (being bought up in Senegal, Palace songs vs Brighton 10+ years ago, full context never being clear, PSG's owners themselves, inclusive not exclusive, matter likely resolved internally etc) but i cant say i still feel comfortable about the whole thing. The one overriding takeaway i have from these conversations though was that this isn't a big enough issue for people who would directly be affected by Sarr's previous actions to walk away (or speak openly about) and if they're able to overlook his past behaviour, then why should I be angry on there behalf. My affection for the club isn't what it was at the start of the summer. Not solely because of this but our sponsor choices and blocking finances to EFL clubs also grate me. If you told me my Son would grow up to support Brighton two months ago I'd tell you to F off. But now, meh, as long as he's happy. As i said previously, clubs and fans alike of all clubs at this level care about these issues, but they care about these issues to a certain extent and that extent ends at the pursuit of success. We wouldnt give tits like Partey, Zouma, Enzo, Antony etc the time of day at work or in a friendship circle, but if they play a succesful role for our football team its different. I was one of those that lost a lot of respect for Jordan Henderson, but now I don't hold an opinion either way, because the reality is most of those people openly criticising him for making a life changing sum of money for generations wouldn't take a stand if there club had signed a Saudi footballer with world class footballing skills.

In Glasner I think Crystal Palace have a Manager who could be very special. I really hope he stays a full season. Sadly we don't know what squad Crystal Palace will be left with given the high quality of certain individuals and interest they've inevitably attracted from elsewhere. A top half finish again would be a very good season, but if the starting XI can remain fit with the players leaving being adequately replaced alongside this manager then the likes of Brighton, West Ham and Aston Villa have shown what's possible. I'm still having an internal battle with myself over the impending signing, but what's surprised me is no Palace fans are talking about it. Even those that were directly affected by it, so I'm leaning towards the 'if nobody else cares why should I' viewpoint which is very negative and still makes me uncomfortable. But I probably won't know how to feel until he's playing in a Palace shirt.

I wouldnt be dismissive based on goal scoring returns. He's been very good for us over the years and fans will be sad to him go. Conor Gallagher for example played better for us because of Jordan Ayew. He'd get the ball in a position where he can't travel. He'd play it out wide to Jordan. Jordan would hold up, find the space, and Gallagher is suddenly 15 yards further up the pitch because of Jordan with a free run to cause issues. Promoted clubs think they need explosive Championship wingers to survive, but in fact players like Jordan who can contribute in a variety of ways throughout are more useful. His off the ball work is magnificent, he can contribute in all phases of play and hes so good at drawing fouls to slow down play. Look how much the United and Liverpool fans here have hated playing against him when they've been chasing a goal against us in the matchday threads. What a guy. You can figure out in the Palace fanbase who knows there onions based on there opinion of Jordan Ayew. If they don't like him, they probably dont have a knowledge away from FPL, goals and assists. That said, if you do go down he's probably ourserved his purpose unless he's a squad player.

Harrison Burrows to Sheff Utd is a very good signing. As is Peterborough replacing Edwards with Nevitt.

I assume they're being sensible.

Norris Norris Piastri Russell 9th 6th

In this circumstance I think you can. These players make no campaign against playing in shirts with gambling sponsors on, but pick the week that Luke Daniels came out as gay to make a stand on playing in LGBTQ+ colours. I accept its important to understand another's racial beliefs and cultural beliefs, I also think it's important to acknowledge that racial and cultural beliefs don't give you a free pass to behave like this and exclude others. I have no doubt most, if not all, Premier League clubs are riddled with players you'd not want to work or play with. I'm pretty sure Dejan Lovren didn't suddenly develop all the beliefs he's preached the second he walked out of Anfield. But, it's one thing having a player in your ranks already that you have to manage and then another spending millions on a player who you already know has feelings like this. The hard internal battle im having is accepting the answer as to why footballers don't come out as gay has been staring us in the face the whole time. It's because people only care up to a certain extent, and that extent ends at the pursuit of success. These clubs will have rainbow flags out, take the knee, promote 'her game too' but when the likes of Partey, Zouma, Enzo, Gueye, Sarr, Kouyate etc exhibit behaviours people either ignore them or try to rationalise them. You can relate that to club owners too. So personally, I'm at a cross roads where I'm asking myself "should I care if others dont?" When I want to care. I'm going to speak to fans who would be directly affected by this but the reality is I'm not sure how I'll feel until Sarr is in a Palace shirt on the pitch.

The whole thing still makes me uncomfortable. I'm a little surprised all our vocal fans on matters of equality and discrimination online have either forgotten or are taking the birdbox approach. I hope it's the former as messages against racism, homophobia, sexism etc really lose there weight when morals get altered depending on potential benefits. Either way, whilst it will be hard to completely switch off, I can't see myself supporting a homophobe or wanting a homophobe to do well. So it looks like I'm out.

Cafe in Gran Canaria named Weekend at McBurnie's incoming.

Hah! That's two players it looks like they've beaten us too.

I imagine it will be a Championship club.