Axel Disasi dropped by Crystal Palace after reported disciplinary incident ahead of Liverpool clash

Crystal Palace defender Axel Disasi was left out of the squad for Thursday’s 1-1 Europa League draw against TSG Hoffenheim following a reported disciplinary issue involving the club’s coaching staff.

The French centre-back, who joined Palace on loan from Chelsea during the summer, had established himself as a regular under head coach Pierre Sage before his unexpected omission.

Speaking before the European encounter, Sage refused to provide an explanation for his decision.

“It’s a decision I took this afternoon,” the Palace manager told reporters when asked about Disasi’s absence.

Pressed on whether there was a specific reason behind the decision, the Frenchman simply replied: “No, thank you.”

His response remained similarly brief after the final whistle, when he insisted that the defender’s omission was an internal matter.

“The reason why he isn’t playing was an internal decision. I don’t want to speak on it anymore,” Sage explained.

According to talkSPORT, Disasi was dropped after arriving late for a team meeting, with the club reportedly taking disciplinary action against the defender.

French outlet Foot Mercato also reported that the 28-year-old had arrived late for a team briefing, resulting in a decision to leave him out for one match.

Disasi available for Liverpool encounter

Despite the disciplinary incident, Disasi is expected to return to contention for Crystal Palace’s Premier League meeting with Liverpool on Sunday.

Sage confirmed to TNT Sports that the defender would be available for the weekend fixture, suggesting that his absence against Hoffenheim was not related to an injury.

His return would provide Palace with another defensive option as they look to improve their recent performances.

Pressure mounting on Pierre Sage

Disasi’s omission comes at a difficult period for Palace, who have struggled for consistency in the Premier League.

The Eagles entered Thursday’s European fixture following three consecutive league defeats, leaving them in the relegation zone after nine matches.

They also endured a difficult evening against Hoffenheim, falling behind to Alexander Prass before Daichi Kamada scored a stoppage-time equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw.

The result offered some relief for Sage, although questions remain about Palace’s performances and the decisions being made within the squad.

The manager will now turn his attention to Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool, where Disasi could return to the matchday squad as Palace attempt to get their league campaign back on track.