Roy Hodgson has revealed that Jason Puncheon is available and remains as captain ahead of Crystal Palace’s trip to managerless Swansea on Saturday, despite his arrest over the weekend.
The Eagles club captain has been charged with causing fear or provocation of violence, possession of an offensive weapon and common assault after a fight erupted in the street during a night out. Hodgson said;
At the moment he remains club captain and remains available for selection.
The club is intending to wait until the police investigation is completed and when we are in full control of the facts of the situation.
When that happens and it’s made clear to us what the police know and he’s had his trial, we’ll then decide what action is necessary to take.
In the meantime we are presuming his innocence until he’s proven guilty of any crime.
I am [satisfied that he’s in the right frame of mind to play]. We had a long conversation which will remain private, and he had a similar conversation with the chairman.
Jason has made it clear to me that he’s determined to be available and do the very best job he can as captain and player at the club while this matter is being sorted out.
Puncheon joined Palace in 2013, initially on loan from Southampton before signing permanently. Last summer he took over as club captain from Scott Dann.
