Crystal Palace: FA Cup 'controversy' a 'shame' for £22.5m Selhurst Park star

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Crystal Palace midfielder Conor Gallagher being ineligible to face Chelsea on Sunday, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

Patrick Vieira’s side face the European champions in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday, but the £22.5m-rated midfielder is unable to play against his parent side.

The England midfielder has been enjoying a fine season at Selhurst Park and has featured in all four of the Eagles’ FA Cup games this term, claiming assists in the opening two rounds.

However, such are the loan rules, the 22-year-old will have to watch on from the sidelines this weekend as his loan club and parent club face off for a place in next month’s final.

Gallagher has been hugely influential for Palace this season, claiming eight goals and three assists in the Premier League.

As a result, Vieira’s men requested permission from Chelsea for his services, but the Stamford Bridge outfit rejected their appeal, which means he’ll have to sit out.

Vieira questioned the ruling and said that Gallagher deserves to play in the game following his level of performances this season, but Barclay has little problem with the ruling, or the decision made by the Blues.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Personally, for the whole situation, it’s a shame for him, but I don’t understand the controversy around it.

“That’s just how loans work in this country, unless we change the system, maybe we should, but that’s just how it is.”

Erik ten Hag TALKS Man United job! Hear more on The Football Terrace…

While Gallagher’s absence is a major blow to Palace’s hopes of reaching their first FA Cup final since 2016, the recent return of James McArthur from injury is a timely one for Vieira.

McArthur came off the bench against Arsenal