We want to be safe at work – Patrick Vieira reveals concern behind fan incident

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has spoken publicly for the first time about his incident involving a fan at Everton on Thursday and admitted he feared for his own safety and that of his players.

The 3-2 midweek win for the Toffees secured their Premier League status and sparked a pitch invasion at Goodison Park, the latest in a long line to occur in England after similar scenarios at Nottingham Forest, Northampton and Port Vale during the past week.

As Vieira was walking off the pitch to the away dressing room, he appeared to be repeatedly goaded by a fan and then reacted by attempting to grab and kick out at the supporter.

Further footage has since emerged of Wilfried Zaha and Ebere Eze being confronted by fans on the pitch and the Football Association is looking into it while Merseyside Police confirmed an investigation has been opened.

Reflecting after a final-day win over Manchester United, Vieira said: “I think the Everton incident is bigger than just that incident.

“When you look at it in the Premier League, there were a lot of field invasions that can cause trouble. There are real issues here to reflect on and try to see what is the best way to manage it and to deal with it.

“You don’t know what can happen. When you don’t know what can happen of course you fear for anything, for the players.

“We want to be safe and the best way to do that is we need to reflect on what is the best way for those kind of things not to happen on the field. As a coach, manager, player or staff we want to be safe in our workplace.

“I think there is a big issue on the FA and Premier League’s plate to deal with.

“They need the support and the club and the players to get involved. Everybody has to take responsibility and see what is