Roy Hodgson has stood by goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, following accusations that he made a Nazi salute in a photograph with teammates during a night out.
The Crystal Palace goalkeeper started Sunday’s 2-0 win away to Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup fifth round, with goals from Jeffrey Schlupp and Max Meyer sending the Eagles into the quarter-finals.
It was Hennessey’s first start since early last month, with controversy surrounding his alleged gesture during that time.
Having been charged by the FA over the incident, he has contested the decision, claiming any likeness to the salute was “absolutely coincidental”.
The 32-year-old will attend a hearing, with the date still to be arranged.
Speaking after Palace’s win at Doncaster, Hodgson supported his player, saying he has no doubt about the Welshman’s innocence:
We are both hoping and confident that charge won’t lead to any particular sanctions.
We believe he is totally innocent of any charge being made, although we do understand in this current climate that the FA are duty bound to research anything.
The FA are claiming Hennesey’s actions “breach its rules relating to abusive, insulting or improper conduct and brings the game into disrepute”, according to the Telegraph.
