Premier League club Crystal Palace picked up a fine win in the Europa Conference League this week, beating Fiorentina 3-0 in the first leg of the quarter-final. The actions of Jean-Philippe Mateta after the game, however, have caused a bit of a stir.
The Frenchman was among the goal scorers on the night, bagging the Eagles' first from the penalty spot. Tyrick Mitchell then made it 2-0 shortly afterwards before Ismaila Sarr added a third in the 90th minute.
After the game, Mateta and Mitchell gave a TNT Sports interview to Olivia Buzaglo, but the Palace striker has been criticised by some for having his arm around the journalist.
Mateta Interview Goes Viral After Crystal Palace Win
The clip quickly went viral on social media, picking up over 2 million views with Buzaglo joking about it in the moment, noting, "We are all having a little cuddle here, it looks like," when Mateta put his arm around her. She then asked: "Guys a quarter-final of a European competition and Crystal Palace saved their best performance for it, what a night JP."
Mateta replied: "Yeah, what a night, what a night. A long time I didn't play and didn't start, I am very happy and my guy [Mitchell] scored as well. I dream about that at night [scoring], I did and I am so happy."
Buzaglo appeared relaxed as she then pointed out that Mateta should have scored a second but was helped out by Mitchell following up to score. "I miss it is OK, because my guy scored. I am happy for him as well," Mateta said in response.
He concluded: "They know me and I keep working hard and I am always here to reach the victory you know, today we did it, but it is not finished because we have one more game in Italy."
Mateta's Interview Sparks Questions as Buzaglo Speaks Out
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta with the match ball after scoring a hat-trick vs Bournemouth
Having kept his arm around Buzaglo's shoulder for the duration of the interview, some questioned Mateta's behaviour. One fan online said, "Was I the only one that was uncomfortable with the way Mateta held that reporter all through the interview?"
Another asked: "Tiny bit weird he keeps his arm around her the whole time, no?"
A third simply called it "very strange," with someone else adding: "Why was he even holding on to her like that? Weirdo." Someone else wrote: "Why is holding her like that?" Another asked: "How's he got away with that?"
And a final fan said: "I like his enthusiasm and he's a great player, but the arm round her is a bit uncomfortable for a professional interview."
Buzaglo, however, has now addressed the moment, playing it down as anything controversial. Taking to her Instagram account, the journalist made it clear that she had no issues with Mateta, writing:
"Well it’s been a bit of a crazy morning with outlets discussing my post match interview with JP Mateta. 'It was a privilege to be working at Crystal Palace last night, a memorable European night for the players and the club.
"I have absolutely no issues whatsoever with JP placing his arm around me. It was a nice, relaxed moment where he was obviously very happy and felt comfortable during the interview, after such a brilliant performance.
"Absolutely nothing in it guys. Wishing them good luck in the 2nd leg!!"
Palace play against Newcastle at home in the Premier League this weekend, before facing Fiorentina in Italy on 16 April, looking to book a place in the Conference League semi-final.