Issott has had a successful career at Palace but has been suspended over allegations about his behaviour after an under-18s away match this season

Crystal Palace have suspended Gary Issott, their long-serving academy director, pending an internal investigation into his allegedly inappropriate behaviour towards the club’s under-18 squad.

The Times revealed on its website yesterday that the club became concerned having been alerted to claims that Issott attempted to shower with members of the Palace under-18 team after an away match this season, as well as making jokes that several players deemed to be inappropriate.

The club’s investigation began when a member of staff alerted the Palace head of safeguarding, Marcus Puddephatt, to the allegations. The concerns were immediately passed on to the board of directors.

The club are understood to have interviewed all of their under-18 squad and their parents about the issue, as well as informing the