EBERECHI EZE will escape the axe for being a Covidiot – but Roy Hodgson says he feels let down by his star.
The Crystal Palace ace, 22, breached virus rules by watching former club QPR take on Fulham on Saturday and sat close to pals while not wearing a facemask.
But Eze is still expected to face Arsenal tonight, despite Hodgson warning his players only last week that no more cock-ups would be allowed after skipper Luka Milivojevic was caught attending a New Year’s Eve party.
Eagles boss Hodgson said: “It has to be on an individual basis and if you are asking me if I think the foolish thing Eberechi did merits him being left out of the team, then I don’t
“I don’t think it merits that kind of punishment but it does merit a fine.
“A slap on the wrist isn’t really enough, he’s got to understand that we take this very seriously.
“Am I feeling let down? Yes, of course. It was very disappointing and a lot of naivety on his part to think he can do those things.
“We are very upset about it and a bit disappointed he was not stopped.
“I know QPR have done well and taken some responsibility as, had we known that he would do that, we would have stopped him.
“He apologised and will certainly learn a harsh lesson.”
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Hodgson continued: “We will act internally to take measures to make certain it is a lesson that is well and truly learned.
“We are not happy with him at all and the only way we can show that is by fining him.
“I can only hope this won’t happen again.”
Meanwhile, Palace right-back Nathaniel Clyne is close to signing a new deal with his short-term contract expiring at the end of the month.
But the 29-year-old has done enough to show Hodgson he can still mix it at the highest levelso will sign until beyond the end of the current campaign.
Hodgson said: “It was vital we got someone in who could compete with Joel Ward, and Nathaniel has done that with flying colours.
“He’s done exceptionally well and I’m delighted the club’s been able to see their way to negotiating a new contract with him.”
