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Crystal Palace Manager Patrick Vieira Appears to Kick Everton Fan on Video

Timothy Rapp

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira appeared to kick an Everton supporter who rushed the pitch following the Toffees' 3-2 victory over the Eagles on Thursday that secured Everton's place in the Premier League next season. 

"I do not have anything to say about that," Vieira told reporters after the match when asked about the situation. 

It was a dramatic day at Goodison Park, as Everton overcame a 2-0 deficit with three second-half goals to push them to 39 points on the season, four clear of Leeds in 18th place. With just one match remaining, that meant Everton was officially clear of the bottom three relegation places and will return to the Premier League next season. 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the game-winning goal in the 85th minute, and some fans stormed the field at that time. After the pitch was cleared and the game proceeded, an even larger throng of fans rushed onto the field as the final whistle blew, celebrating with the Toffees. 

But while most supporters were enjoying the moment, some appeared to harass Vieira as he attempted to leave the field. 

"I feel for Patrick," Everton manager Frank Lampard told reporters after the match. "I didn't get him at the end. I would have said, 'Come in with us.' Although he might not have wanted that. Of course he ran 80 yards across the pitch and it's not easy."

The incident came two days after Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp was headbutted in the second leg of his team's 3-3 aggregate result (3-2 defeat in penalties) to Nottingham Forest in the Championship playoff semifinal matchup between the clubs. 

Robert Biggs, 30, was arrested and sentenced to 24 weeks in jail and and given a 10-year football ban for the attack. The incident left Sharp bloodied and in need of stitches. 

"It's assault," Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom told reporters. "We've seen one of our players attacked. He's shook up, bleeding, angry."

   

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