Awkward moment Villa keeper refuses to move out of net and let kids take penalties at half-time of Palace clash

Awkward moment Villa keeper refuses to move out of net and let kids take penalties at half-time of Palace clash
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Awkward moment Villa keeper refuses to move out of net and let kids take penalties at half-time of Palace clash
Author: Joshua Jones
Published: Feb, 26 2025 10:32

ROBIN OLSEN awkwardly refused to leave his goal and let kids take penalties at Selhurst Park. The Aston Villa goalkeeper headed on to the pitch at half-time against Crystal Palace for a warm-up. As he went through his catching drills, a group of youngsters were lining up for their special moment to try and score at a Premier League ground.

 [Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen warming up next to Crystal Palace's mascot.]
Image Credit: The Sun [Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen warming up next to Crystal Palace's mascot.]

But the group of kids - including both Palace and Villa fans - had to traipse their way up to the other end of the stadium and use the other goal. Olsen, 35, was readying himself to replace regular No1 Emi Martinez at the break as the Argentine struggled with an injury.

 [Soccer goalie catching a ball during a game.]
Image Credit: The Sun [Soccer goalie catching a ball during a game.]

So he was quite within his rights to make all the necessary preparations to come on in the Premier League clash - especially with the game in the balance at 1-0. He clearly spotted the Palace staff member trying to grab his attention but totally ignored him to continue his exercises.

 [Soccer goalie Robin Olsen refusing to let children take penalty kicks.]
Image Credit: The Sun [Soccer goalie Robin Olsen refusing to let children take penalty kicks.]

And that prompted a chorus of boos and X-rated chants from the home fans in the Whitehorse Lane Stand. But the travelling Villa fans responded with songs of: "We shall not be moved.". CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS. The polite Palace bloke said: "Sorry we're using the goal.

 [Soccer goalie refusing to let children take penalty kicks.]
Image Credit: The Sun [Soccer goalie refusing to let children take penalty kicks.]

"I feel like I'm at school. I'm really sorry. "This has never happened before.". He then walked up to Olsen waving and continued: "Hello?. "Sorry, we need the goal. No?. "Can I play with the goal?. "We're using the goal. We....". But with Olsen - who was assaulted on the Etihad pitch by fans in 2022 - completely blanking him to carry on catching crosses, the Palace employee walked back to the edge of the area.

 [Match stats graphic showing Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa: 4-1.  Includes shots on target, shots, blocked shots, possession, passes, completed passes, tackles, fouls conceded, and corners.]
Image Credit: The Sun [Match stats graphic showing Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa: 4-1. Includes shots on target, shots, blocked shots, possession, passes, completed passes, tackles, fouls conceded, and corners.]

A Villa coach appeared to remonstrate with him and insist Olsen needed the goal before the organiser added: "I'm really sorry. "This is the first time this has ever happened. Shall we go down the Holmesdale [Road Stand]?. "Palace fans, I genuinely don't know what to say.

 [Robin Olsen apologizing after refusing to let kids take penalties.]
Image Credit: The Sun [Robin Olsen apologizing after refusing to let kids take penalties.]

"Right, kids, let's leg it down the other end because Villa clearly don't want to play.". So the group headed down the field to complete the fun and games. Olsen, meanwhile, finished off his warm-up. But it clearly did not have the desired effect as he conceded three second-half goals in a 4-1 defeat.

 [Reporter interviewing Robin Olsen on a soccer field.]
Image Credit: The Sun [Reporter interviewing Robin Olsen on a soccer field.]

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