
The little club has been pushed aside again in favour of one with more money, fumes Palace legend after Europa League KO
That is because the former England midfielder was their captain when Uefa denied them what should have been a European spot in 1991.
13
13
And he blasted: 'It feels like the little club has been pushed aside again in favour of somebody with more money.'
Palace finished a club-record third while second-placed Liverpool were banned from Europe following the Heysel Stadium disaster in 1985.
But in April 1991, with only a few games left, Uefa announced they were allowing Liverpool back in.
And it felt like deja vu for Palace legend Thomas when Uefa stated they were relegating his ex-club to the less glamorous Conference League because they had fallen foul of multi-ownership rules.
John Textor, who has a controlling stake in Lyon, owned 43 per cent of Palace before he agreed to sell it last month. And Uefa have opted to boot FA Cup-winners Palace out at the expense of the French team who finished sixth in Ligue 1. Nottingham Forest have been told they will take the Eagles' English spot.
This is despite the Eagles winning the FA Cup by stunning Manchester City in May's final at Wembley.
Thomas, who is currently raising money for Care Leukaemia by riding at his SEVENTH Tour de France, told SunSport: 'It's as though Uefa have found a loophole not to let Palace into a competition which they rightly qualified for after winning the FA Cup.
'The little club has been pushed aside again in favour of somebody with more money.'
The injustice of 1991 was the goal-posts for European qualification being moved with only a few games left — when it had been believed all season, if Liverpool finished in the top two, third place would secure a UEFA Cup spot.
13
13
13
13
Thomas said: 'It felt like a pipe dream for a club like Palace to get into Europe but with us sitting third during an incredible season everyone thought we were going to do it.
'Then all of a sudden when we qualified for Europe the ban was lifted on a great side. There's no getting away from that. We were devastated.
'Everyone wanted Liverpool to be in Europe — but they were banned for crowd trouble.'
It had a devastating effect on Palace's fortunes which eventually saw them relegated two years later.
Thomas, who made 195 appearances for the Eagles, said: 'We went on to lose key players like Ian Wright, Mark Bright and Andy Gray.
'We had a good nucleus of a side with players like Nigel Martyn and John Salako.
'Had we got into Europe that would obviously have allowed us to increase our player power in the transfer market.
13
13
13
'And it would have helped get Selhurst Park up to some sort of order. It would've given us the perfect opportunity to redevelop the ground.'
Thomas believes it was a watershed moment for the club - and added: 'We had just narrowly missed out on winning the FA Cup in our first season in the top flight in 1990 and then we finished third.
'It just felt like we were a team that was really gelling and building. We were a group of guys who probably, in some ways, had a last chance to make a name for ourselves.
'And collectively, we were doing that. We were such a tight bunch and so similar.
'I can see many similarities to our present-day squad in terms of the characters and skills.'
Thomas believes the 1991 team could have gone on made a name for themselves on the continent.
13
He said: 'It's always hard to say once an opportunity is gone — but we had the abilities in that squad to really upset some of the bigger European clubs at that time.
'So we'll never know exactly what would've happened and that's why it was so frustrating. And the same can be said with this present team.'
Chairman Steve Parish is appealing the decision by taking it to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Yet in a worst-case scenario Palace will at least compete in the Europa Conference League, which Chelsea and West Ham have won.
But Thomas rapped: 'Yes but it feels you must go very deep into that competition, probably the semi-finals, before you can get any sort of atmosphere or excitement.
'The earlier games just feel like another match and more trauma on the pockets of fans.
'Palace supporters deserve better than this. They've been a real force behind this team's success, building a huge reputation for being the most vocal and should be looking forward to playing some of Europe's top teams.'
Geoff's incredible Tour de France triumph
13
GEOFF THOMAS will cycle into Paris on Sunday completing a staggering SEVENTH Tour de France spanning 2,074 miles.
The 60-year-old former Crystal Palace star was marking the 20th anniversary of his first appearance at the event just months after he miraculously beat blood cancer.
Thomas is raising funds for Cure Leukaemia, founded by Prof Charlie Craddock, who helped save his life.
Thomas was initially given THREE MONTHS to live in 2003 but Craddock put him on chemotherapy treatment that took his life expectancy back to three years — before performing a stem cell transplant from his sister Kay that put him in remission in 2005.
Yet having competed in six Tours, his last one four years ago, he feared his cycling days were over when he got grade four arthritis in his knees.
Thomas said: 'Premier League medical advisor Mark Gillett told me about a hydrogel injection called Arthrosamid that he could give me through a company called Regener8 Healthcare.
'It gave me instant relief in January and after a couple of weeks I was back on my bike training for this.
13
13
'I've not been able to train as much as the other guys but wanted to be involved as it's not only 20 years ago I went into remission and rode this event but have reached the grand old age of 60.
'My dad died at 60 just a few weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer so it was all very poignant.
'He smoked 80 cigarettes a day. I thought he lived happily throughout his life, maybe naively, but having reached 60 myself there is so much more to look forward to. So this was a little nod to him.'
Thomas has enjoyed cycling down the years and has raised millions of pounds for Care Leukaemia.
And he tells a great story about the time his ex-Palace team-mate Ian Wright joined him and John Salako in a charity ride from London to Paris.
He said: 'It put him off cycling. Wrighty is always a bundle of fun — but when he was on a bike he wasn't!
'He wasn't very good. He had his good mate Mitchell Thomas trying to look after him — but just kept falling off his bike. On one occasion he went headlong into a bush!
'Wrighty has since retired from cycling!'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Metro
18 minutes ago
- Metro
David Beckham and Amanda Holden lead celebrations after Lionesses' Euros triumph
Social media is ablaze with celebrations and congratulatory messages following the Lionesses' historic win in the Euro 2025 final. Tonight, England took on Spain live from St Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, in the hopes of replicating their Euro 2022 success against Germany at Wembley. And boy did they, as Sarina Wiegman's squad triumphed over their former rivals, having lost to Spain once before in the World Cup final. With no intention of admitting defeat at any point, the 1-1 game was taken to penalties, which led to England thrashing their opponents 3-1 and going on to lift that glorious trophy. It's safe to say the scenes were emotional as the Lionesses pulled one another into hugs and wiped away tears after Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles, and Chloe Kelly scored in their shoot-outs, causing the stadium to erupt. The reactions were just as wild back home, too, as celebrities including Piers Morgan, Amanda Holden, Rylan Clark, and Alan Carr were keen to wish captain Leah Williamson and her teammates a very big well done. 'BOOOM! Well done @Lionesses – and great to see an Arsenal star score the winning penalty. Congrats @chloekelly', posted long-time Arsenal fan Morgan on X. 'YESSSSSSS @Lionesses GO ON GIRLLLSSSS', wrote an excitable Rylan. Alongside a snap of herself with Williamson at Glastonbury last year, country music icon Shania Twain had the most fitting use for her most famous lyric, writing: 'SO happy for the Lionesses … Let's f***ing go girls!!' 'They've done it again.. Back To Back! Massive', tweeted Rio Ferdinand alongside a smiley snap with the team. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer penned: 'Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses — what a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' And while a homecoming parade will be held in London on Tuesday for the Lionesses, Labour leader Sir Keir previously suggested a bank holiday would not be implemented if the team were to win, despite overwhelming demands from footie fans. Over on Instagram, Spice Girl Mel B posted, 'Yes yes yesssss!!! Girl power!!!!!!!!' on her Story, while Jess Glynne, who is dating Alex Scott, also watched along from home. The Hold My Hand hitmaker shared a video of her TV and could be heard shouting: 'Come on, the girls! What are you sayin'? Oi oi! Proud of you! Come on.' Ever the supportive girlfriend, she also shared a clip of Scott, whom she began dating in 2023, presenting for BBC Sport, writing alongside it sweetly: 'My womannnnn'. Elsewhere, Holden and Carr watched the nail-biting final together, along with their crew, as they are currently away shooting their new series of Amanda & Alan's Greek Job. The hilarious TV duo filmed themselves soaking up the glory as England won the match before bursting into the Three Lions anthem. Ashley James also filmed herself and showed her family giddy with joy after Kelly successfully bagged the winning penalty, while Stacey Solomon caught the action from her widescreen TV in Pickle Cottage. The Loose Women and Sort Your Life Out star was joined by what sounded to be her entire brood, who grew justifiably rowdy once England's victory was sealed. 'Smashed it gals', Solomon wrote alongside a gorgeous clip of her sons dancing around in the living room. Also watching from home was Romeo Beckham, while dad Sir David Beckham posted a slew of pics in the aftermath of the win. Ever the patriot, the sporting legend's Insta Story was full of lion and England flag emojis as he heaped praise on the 'champions' and tagged several players, adding a special 'well done' to Michelle Agyemang. While Becks is currently holidaying in sunnier climates with his famous family and therefore not at tonight's match, one public figure who did put in an appearance was Prince William. More Trending The Prince of Wales took daughter Charlotte to the final and later shared a joint personal message in celebration. This also marked the first time the 10-year-old Princess has ever signed off an official message. It read: 'What a game! @lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment @England. W & Charlotte.' The Prince of Wales, who is patron of the Football Association (FA), sat next to the PM for the match and later made his way to the pitch for the trophy ceremony. Other famous faces sharing their reactions to England's epic win this evening included Peter Andre, James Bond favourite Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jessie Ware, Ashley Cain, and Amelia Dimoldenberg. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Ian Wright names 'major favourite' for 2027 Women's World Cup after England win Euros MORE: Hannah Hampton was told she would never play football due to a serious eye condition MORE: Why Beth Mead was allowed to take penalty twice in England's Women's Euro 2025 triumph over Spain


The Independent
18 minutes ago
- The Independent
Watch: Moment England fans erupt as Lionesses secure Euro 2025 win
England fans erupted in celebration as Chloe Kelly scored her penalty to secure the Lionesses' Euro 2025 victory. The Lionesses became the first England team in history to defend a major tournament title with Sunday's (27 July) win in Basel, Switzerland. Kelly's winning spot kick followed two huge saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. Supporters danced on benches, waved England flags and threw drinks into the air after the ball hit the net at Boxpark venues in Croydon and Shoreditch, London.


The Independent
18 minutes ago
- The Independent
Lionesses set for bus parade celebration after dramatic Euros win
The Lionesses are set for an open-top bus parade in central London as part of the celebrations following their historic Euros win, but there are no plans for a bank holiday. England fans erupted with joy across the country as the team defended their Euros title in a penalty shootout win over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday. Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot-kick following two huge saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton – sending supporters in fan zones into raptures. The King said the team had the royal family's 'warmest appreciation and admiration' following their victory, adding: 'The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can.' The team will attend a homecoming celebration event on Tuesday, with a ceremony due to take place outside Buckingham Palace. There will be an open-top bus parade along the Mall before the ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial, the FA said. Fans can attend for free and it will be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky. However, it is understood Downing Street has no plans for a bank holiday to mark the Lionesses' triumph. Supporters stood on tables, waved flags, threw drinks in the air and excitedly hugged each other as England claimed victory, while the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer watched on from the stands in Basel. Alessia Russo gave the Lionesses hope of retaining their Euros title with her second-half equaliser after Mariona Caldentey netted the opener for Spain in the 25th minute. In a statement posted on X after the game, Charles said: 'This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025. 'For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant 'football's coming home'. 'As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. 'For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration.' The King added: 'More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses.' A picture of the Prince of Wales with his arm around his daughter Princess Charlotte was posted to X following the presentation of the trophy to the Lionesses, with the caption 'champions of Europe'. The pair congratulated the team in a short statement, saying: 'What a game! Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment England.' The statement was the first message Charlotte has personally signed on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account. Tower Bridge was lit up in red and white following the Lionesses' victory, the City Bridge Foundation said. Sir Keir was the first to congratulate England on their win – posting on X: 'Champions! Congratulations Lionesses – what a team. What a game. What drama. 'You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' William was spotted in the stands applauding and celebrating with those around him – including Princess Charlotte. As the presentation ceremony took place, the Prince of Wales was among those to congratulate star striker Michelle Agyemang on being named young player of the tournament. William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say 'well played, fantastic, well done'. Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. There was non-stop applause in her home town of South Ockendon as fans saw the Arsenal forward step through a guard of honour to pick up her award. Supporters at her old club Brandon Groves AFC danced a conga line to the sounds of Vindaloo after England's victory. The club's vice-chairwoman, Paula Howes, said Agyemang will help give youngsters the 'motivation and drive' to progress from grassroots football to the top of the game. She said: 'I think she (Agyemang) has got that determination and that drive on the pitch, and the girls can connect with that. 'It is also knowing that she is a local girl as well, I think that helps give them the motivation and drive, to know that you can start at grassroots football and progress up to the higher level, if you work at it.' The National Autistic Society congratulated their ambassador Lucy Bronze on the Lionesses victory, adding: 'We hope she has inspired the next generation of autistic girls to follow their dreams.' Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also gave her reaction to the win, saying: 'What an absolutely extraordinary achievement by our Lionesses – once again they have made history and united the country with pride and joy.' England's path to the final was marked by late drama. They sealed their spot with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy, following a penalty shootout victory against Sweden in the quarter-finals after nearly crashing out in extra time.