After five-and-a-half seasons at the club, Crystal Palace fans have seen enough of Damien Delaney.
Damien Delaney has been a loyal servant for Crystal Palace since joining the side from Ipswich Town in 2012.
Up until the current campaign, the Cork native has made at least 29 league appearances per season for ‘the Eagles’. He has amassed 128 Premier League games for the club, but this season he has appeared just once in the English top flight.
Ankle and groin injuries have kept him out of action since September, but on Monday night, he made his return during Palace’s 2-1 FA Cup third round loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Delaney wasn’t the only player at fault for Dale Stephens’ opener.
Yohan Cabaye’s failed interception let the goalscorer free, Wayne Hennessey couldn’t keep out the near-post shot despite getting a hand to it, but Delaney came across to cover the run at a snail’s pace.
It was a poor team performance for Palace with Bakary Sako’s stunner from 25 yards providing one of the few highlights for the away support. That sensational effort looked destined to earn a replay, but Glenn Murray grabbed the game’s winner nine minutes from the end.
Video assistant referee technology was used to confirm the decisive goal after calls were made for offside and handball. Upon review, the goal was allowed stand which sealed a miserable night for Palace fans.
However, it was the 36-year-old Irishman making his return that really ground their gears after the final whistle blew.
If I've learned one thing from this half it's that I absolutely do not miss Damien Delaney. He is so, horrendously bad.
— Ollie (@TalkCPFC) January 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/DanSquelchy/status/950462491473137665
https://twitter.com/Kimmy_CPFC/status/950463058324938752
I hope Damien delaney never wears a palace shirt again. A new keeper is needed instantly and all the shit reserves need to leave. This isn’t because we’ve lost today it’s because all these problems have gone on for years
— H🦅 (@androsisnotbald) January 8, 2018
Watching Damien Delaney play for palace is just too stressful for me. The geeza is so past it. Put his wages towards something worthwhile @CEO4TAG #dead
— 𝔻𝕒𝕟𝕟𝕪 𝔸𝕝𝕘𝕒𝕣 🦅 (@GIV_Us_a_Kissyy) January 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/Coyleycoyley/status/950482802830692353
At least one fan was still on team Delaney after the game.
I don’t like all these tweets slagging Damien Delaney off. Everyone knows his best days are behind him, yet he has been a loyal player for us who has always given 100% effort and commitment and shows great passion for CPFC
— Ann Busby (@anniebuzz180) January 9, 2018