Arsenal legend Ian Wright has condemned the Football Association for preventing Crystal Palace star Conor Gallagher from featuring against parent club Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Gallagher played the full 90 minutes as the Eagles thrashed Everton 4-0 to advance to a Wembley showdown against the reigning European champions. The England midfielder has been a standout player for the South London club throughout his season-loan loan at Selhurst Park with eight goals and five assists.
However, he played no part in either of Palace and Chelsea's Premier League encounters this season - both of which the Blues won - and he will remain sidelined for the cup semi-final. This is because FA rules state: "The Association will not give permission for players on loan or work experience to play against the lending Club."
Wright cannot understand the thinking behind the regulation as he pointed out Gallagher's performances have been vital to Palace reaching the semis. The former Eagles striker, who won two FA Cups with the Gunners, told his Wrighty's House podcast : "If you've let a player go from the start of the season then yes, he's your player. For Conor Gallagher to go to Palace and take them to the levels... He's one of the main reasons they're doing what they're doing.
"He's helped get them to a semi-final at Wembley which is what we all dream of as professionals and he can't play because his parent club is there. There's something not fair about that. I'd be devastated if I was in his position." Gallagher's contributions were especially important earlier in the season, when he picked up assists against Millwall and Hartlepool in the third and fourth rounds respectively.
Do you agree with Ian Wright or is the FA rule justified? Have your say in the comments...
However, Patrick Vieira must make do without the gifted playmaker as he leads Palace against Chelsea in mid-April, relying instead on his other talismanic players such as Wilfried Zaha. The Ivory Coast winger was on the scoresheet in the victory over Everton, which he believed sent a strong statement about Palace's quality. "The team is just proving how good it is," Zaha said.
"Some of the players haven't even played together that long, but it just shows what is in store for the club, the players who have been signed, what is in store for the future. It is good to be involved in it and going to Wembley." Zaha has been called up for the Ivory Coast's upcoming friendlies with France and England, meaning he could come face to face with Gallagher at Wembley on Tuesday.
