Hodgson apologises for calling Palace fans 'spoiled' over post-loss booing

Manager Roy Hodgson has apologised for calling Crystal Palace fans "spoiled" after they booed the team following Wednesday's 2-0 Premier League loss to Bournemouth.

Palace are winless since a Nov. 4 victory at Burnley, losing their last three home games and slipping to 14th in the league after a bright start to the season with wins over Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"The fans have been spoiled here in recent times," Hodgson had said after the Bournemouth loss. "They're used to seeing us do very well at home."

The former Liverpool and Inter Milan said on Friday that he regretted those remarks.

"I am distressed by my comments and choice of word," he told reporters.

"I would be devastated if they didn't think I appreciated them. I can understand their frustration so I owe them an apology because they've been so good to me during my five years at the club."

Hodgson's first stint at Palace ended in 2021 after the team placed 14th in back-to-back seasons. He returned in March 2023 and broke a 12-game winless streak to earn 18 points in 10 games. Palace finished 11th, their best since Hodgson's first season.

Palace visit second-placed Liverpool on Saturday.