What an odd week. I feel a little bit lost this weekend. No visit to Selhurst Park or being able to watch Crystal Palace is something that makes me a tad sad.
Luckily we are not football deprived. Our youth teams were in action yesterday (Saturday) and our women are in action today (Sunday, 2pm) in the 4th round of the women’s FA Cup. Both teams see their weekend rivals as Charlton Athletic. Big games in terms of rivals and for the women a chance to prove themselves worthy of their second chance in the cup.
Today is also International Women’s Day so I encourage you to go and support your local ladies team and appreciate the skills and quality of football that they can provide you with.
In some ways it makes me glad the Palace men have not played this weekend, especially today, because there is something not comfortable about International Women’s Day and the Crystals being ogled at by men old enough to be their grandfathers.
I believe the Crystals are an important part of our team as they provide an element of atmosphere and fun to the club and I value every person in the world for doing whatever they want to do for a profession or a hobby. I cannot approve of the way that so many of the Palace fans treat them. Yes, they are there to show off their bodies and entertain you and yes that is what they are comfortable with but please remember they are human beings.
The Crystals are about more than just their bodies and the moves they pull off. They actually represent our club on a number of levels. Not only do they help to attract fans from America because of the cheer-leading comparisons but they also show a sign of dedication, passion, fitness and energy that is evident in all of our fans and the players on the pitch.
You see them week in and week out and they generally do not change appearance that much in between so just stop with the ‘oomph look at her, I would‘ comments the second that they step onto the pitch. Enjoy the show and respect them and the women that are standing and sitting around you. If you ‘would‘ then just buy their calender, follow them on Instagram and keep your comments in your head until you are in a private space where nobody can hear you.
Crystal Palace are more than just eleven men playing football on the pitch. There are multiple squads including women and the Crystals. Making derogatory comments about the women’s footballing ability compared to men or reducing dancers to their bodies is an insult to the club.
Be Loud, be Proud, be Palace but please be respectful too.
