Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson believes the club deserved to play in the Europa League after Sunday’s Community Shield triumph against Liverpool.
Palace Demoted To Conference League
Recall that Palace will learn today (Monday) whether they will compete in the Europa League or Europa Conference League this season.
The Eagles were demoted to the Uefa Conference League as punishment for breaching multi-club ownership rules, as American businessman John Textor owns a stake in the club and is the majority owner of Lyon, who also qualified for the Europa League.
Eagles Appeal UEFA Decision
An appeal was submitted against their demotion with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
Speaking with BBC Sport, Henderson stated that the team have justified to be in the Europa League.
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“I think you will see by today, we don’t take too much notice of it at the end of the day. We win the FA Cup, we are justified to be in the Europa League.
“For football purposes we deserve to be in the Europa League. I think it would devalue the competition unfortunately if we weren’t in the Europa League.
“Things that are won on the pitch should be rewarded and I think every neutral football fan would agree with that. Let’s see. I know the chairman (Steve Parish) has fought hard against it and fingers crossed we are in the Europa League like we deserve to be.
“I know Crystal Palace fans have waited 120 years, maybe even longer, for the first trophy and chance to go on a European tour.
“To have that taken away from us is just not right for football and I think everyone would agree with that. I am sure they will see sense and put us back in the Europa League.”
