Qudus SalihuCrystal Palace fans have turned on Maxence Lacroix following a disastrous 4-1 defeat at Elland Road, with supporters labeling the defender “completely lost” during the humiliating festive period clash. While Leeds United celebrated a Dominic Calvert-Lewin masterclass, the traveling Palace faithful directed their fury at Lacroix for a performance that many believe threw the game away.
The Frenchman endured a nightmare evening in West Yorkshire, looking physically and tactically overwhelmed as Leeds’ front two dismantled the Palace backline. Lacroix was at the heart of the collapse, notably picking up a yellow card for a desperate, clumsy challenge on Calvert-Lewin that summed up his afternoon. Fans pointed to his lack of awareness during the set-piece routines that led to Leeds’ first-half double, with many accusing him of “ball-watching” while the home side ran riot.
”Lacroix was a passenger today. He looked like he’d never seen a long throw before,” one incensed supporter posted on social media. “He’s been a liability for weeks, but today he was completely lost. You can’t defend like that in the Premier League and expect to win. He literally handed them the points.”
The criticism intensified after the break when Ethan Ampadu was allowed to drift into the box unmarked to smash home a third goal, effectively ending the contest. Supporters are blaming Lacroix’s lack of leadership and poor positioning for the tactical breakdown that saw Oliver Glasner’s side ship four goals to a team fighting relegation.
With Palace now losing ground in the race for European qualification, the pressure is mounting on Glasner to drop the former Wolfsburg man. For the Palace fans, this wasn’t just a bad day at the office—it was a “disgraceful” display of defending that has left their season at a crossroads.
Rabiu Aminu
Qudus Salihu