# Oliver Glasner Does the Unthinkable: Leaves Shock Player Nathan Clyne Out of Squad to Face Everton – Fans Think It’s Personal
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has stunned fans by dropping veteran defender Nathan Clyne from the matchday squad for today’s Premier League clash against Everton at Goodison Park. The decision, labeled “unthinkable” by pundits, has sparked outrage among supporters, many of whom believe it’s a personal snub tied to ongoing contract disputes.
Clyne, 34, has been a mainstay at right-back since returning to Palace in 2021 after spells at Liverpool and Bournemouth. With over 300 Premier League appearances, his experience is crucial against Everton’s physical approach under Sean Dyche. Yet, Glasner opted to exclude him, favoring younger options like Tyrick Mitchell at left-back and new signing Daniel Muñoz in an adjusted right-sided role.
The timing raises eyebrows. Clyne’s contract expires in June 2026, and rumors of stalled extension talks have fueled speculation. Glasner, who celebrated his one-year anniversary at Palace by winning the FA Cup – the club’s first major trophy – has elevated the Eagles to European contenders. Their Europa Conference League campaign begins next week, but a quiet transfer window, with Muñoz as a key addition, exposed squad depth issues.
Fans are livid. “Dropping Clyne for Everton? That’s personal after all he’s done,” one supporter posted on X, gaining thousands of likes. Another fumed, “Glasner’s sidelining club legends. Clyne deserves better.” Online forums buzz with theories, from Glasner prioritizing pace to sending a message to owners Steve Parish and Mark Cuban about overhauling the aging squad.
Glasner’s tenure has been transformative: a record 49 points last season and an unbeaten run stretching into September. With his own contract talks looming, this move feels like a bold statement.
For Clyne, nursing a minor hamstring issue earlier this season, the omission stings. “Nathan’s the ultimate professional,” a teammate said anonymously. “If it’s about form, fine – but this feels off.” Palace, sitting eighth and chasing a top-six finish, risk dressing-room unrest by alienating a fan favorite.
As Palace face an in-form Everton side, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin firing, Glasner’s gamble could prove costly. Will Clyne’s absence expose defensive frailties, or is it a tactical masterstroke? Fans are divided – and furious.
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