Crystal Palace suspend academy chief Gary Issott amid claims of inappropriate behaviour towards young players
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Crystal Palace have suspended academy chief Gary Issott while they investigate claims of inappropriate behaviour towards the club's youngsters.
Palace have launched a shock probe into long-serving academy director Issott after concerns were raised about his conduct.
The investigation is understood to centre on allegations of a dressing room incident and also that Issott made a lurid comment about one of Palace's youth prospects.
Issott has been placed on gardening leave while the claims are looked into by the club, who have informed the FA and Premier League.
A member of staff is understood to have raised concerns after overhearing some of Palace's youngsters talking about Issott showering in the same area as members of his under-18 squad.
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The alleged incident is understood to have occurred after an away game at a ground which did not have different shower facilities for coaches and players.
Details of the incident were passed to the club's head of safeguarding Marcus Puddephatt, relayed to the Palace board and deemed serious enough to spark the investigation.
The alleged comment, of a sexual nature, was made back in pre-season.
But it is understood to have only come to light more recently after two members of Palace's academy were discussing the incident in earshot of a staff member who also reported the incident.
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There have been no complaints about Issott from players or parents but Palace are in a difficult position and duty-bound to investigate as the conduct was impossible to ignore once they were alerted.
The allegations and situation have stunned football figures familiar with the respected Issott and his work.
Some sources have even claimed that he has been the victim of a personal vendetta.
Once the FA were notified an instant suspension was imposed on Issott, who has been on leave for a number of weeks now.
Palace have interviewed players, parents and Issott himself as part of the ongoing investigation.
The FA will make a final decision on Issott once Palace's findings and recommendations are passed on.
If cleared Issott could return to the club, though possibly be sent on a re-education programme.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Mirror Sport understands, however, that he is considering taking matters into his own hands and leaving the club.
Issott has been at Palace for more than 20 years and established himself as a key cog in the South Londoners' operation.
He has helped bring through a long list of players including Wilfried Zaha, Victor Moses, Nathaniel Clyne, Wayne Routledge, Ben Watson.
Issott was unavailable for comment.
Palace said: “Crystal Palace Football Club has suspended its Academy director over a discciplinary matter.
"No complaints were received from members of the academy or their parents, but the club is carrying out an investigation after receiving information.
"The findings will be passed to the Football Association, which has imposed an interim suspension while the investigation is underway.”