Wilfried Zaha’s brief stint at Olympique Lyonnais (OL) has taken another controversial turn.
The Ivorian winger, currently on loan from Galatasaray, was notably absent during OL’s Coupe de France match against Entente Feignies-Aulnoye.
While his teammates battled in northern France, Zaha was spotted in London, attending the Premier League clash between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park Stadium.
A photo of Zaha in the stands quickly circulated in the media, fueling outrage among Lyon supporters.
Alors que l’OL joue en Coupe de France, Wilfried Zaha est présent à Londres pour assister à Crystal Palace-Arsenal. 😬
L’avenir de l’international ivoirien s’inscrit plus que jamais loin du 69. ❌🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/nJA9jwkLtE
— Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) December 21, 2024
While his loyalty to Crystal Palace, the club where he made his name, is understandable, his decision to be elsewhere during a critical moment for OL has been widely criticized.
Many see this as a sign of disengagement from a player who was brought in to help bolster a struggling Lyon attack.
Zaha, who joined OL with high expectations, has struggled to make a significant impact on the pitch.
This latest incident only adds to the growing frustration surrounding his time at the French club.
Amid an already challenging season for Lyon, these off-field distractions further strain the relationship between the player and the club’s fanbase.
The 32-year-old’s future at Lyon now appears increasingly uncertain.
Wilfried Zaha viré par Lyon avant le mercato ? https://t.co/gFwL94oLhc
— Foot01.com (@Foot01_com) October 21, 2024
The club’s management may reconsider their approach to his loan following this controversy, potentially leading to an early termination of his spell in France.
For now, Zaha has a chance to redeem himself, but with the pressure mounting, he will need to demonstrate his commitment and performance on the field if he hopes to regain the trust of the OL faithful.
