Crystal Palace draw with Hoffenheim as Disasi questions persist

Crystal Palace snatched a 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim in the Europa League on Thursday, a result that spared the Eagles the worst. Yet questions over Axel Disasi’s omission also shaped the evening. Manager Pierre Sage was notably curt with the media when asked about the decision.

Disasi was left out of the matchday squad, a significant call Sage had to address. Asked why the defender was absent, he declined to explain, saying the decision was an internal matter. Challenged over whether the situation risked making him look as though he was losing control, Sage responded firmly without offering further detail. Another journalist then asked whether Disasi’s case resembled those of Jaydee Canvot and Evann Guessand, who had also been left out earlier in the season. Sage again chose not to elaborate.

The omission was particularly surprising because Disasi, on loan from Chelsea, had played every minute of Crystal Palace’s Europa League campaign that season and started their previous two Premier League matches. Before kick-off, the club had even named him in its starting line-up on social media, before correcting the team sheet and replacing him with Honest Ahanor.

On the pitch, Crystal Palace fell behind when Alexander Prass scored for Hoffenheim. Their task became harder when Wharton received a second yellow card in the 77th minute. Kamada eventually levelled late on, after a move started by Yeremy Pino and headed down by Tyrick Mitchell. The point gave Sage some breathing space, but did not erase the team’s difficulties.

Crystal Palace sit 18th in the Premier League with 7 points after 9 matches. Their record stands at 2 wins, 1 draw and 6 defeats, with 9 goals scored and 21 conceded. RMC Sport reports that the Eagles have won only one of their last five matches in all competitions and remain in the relegation zone. The European draw offers some relief, while questions over Disasi and Sage remain.