Palace players mob former skipper live on air and hand him winner’s medal

Former Crystal Palace captain Joel Ward was harassed by his former teammates after their community shield triumph over Liverpool.

The Eagles defeated Arne Slot on penalties after the game ended 2-2 in normal time.

The new signing sessions from Liverpool Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong both scored in the first half, but were every time fed back by goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and, after the break, Ismaila Sarr.

Mohamed Salah missed his second penalty in a week before Dean Henderson saves Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott during a 3-2 shootout triumph.

Former Eagles skipper Ward was Pitchide, with on the live coverage of TNT Sports next to Steve McManaman.

The 35-year-old, who left the club after 13 years of service, was warmly reminded by his former teammates.

Marc Guehi, Henderson, Maxence Lacroix and Jean-Philippe Mateta all came to Ward to hug him.

Mateta also handed Ward the medal of his official winner on Wembley, but the latter immediately returned.

“I think some would say that I am part of the furniture,” said Ward. 'I have been lucky to play for this incredible club for so many years. The love for the boys runs deeply.

'I was lucky to play with these boys and many players in advance, it's a special club. I said when I left the club that these boys will achieve great things and I really believe that.

“Hopefully they get the support they need, players will stay and they will create their own estates.”

Ward made 364 performances for Palace and played for the club in the championship before their promotion to the Premier League in 2013.

He was an unused replacement in the FA Cup -final victory of last season against Manchester City and lifted the trophy alongside Marc Guehi.

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