Credit: Imago/Crystal Palace FC

Chris Smith

Thu 21 August 2025 22:40, UK

Crystal Palace fans are demanding more backing for Oliver Glasner following their 1-0 win over Fredrikstad in the Uefa Conference League on Thursday.

The Eagles’ only previous European experience was a 4-0 thrashing to Samsunspor in the 1998 Intertoto Cup, but they earned their place back on the continent by winning last season’s FA Cup — though they were demoted to the Conference League after John Textor broke multi-club ownership rules.

Norwegian cup winners Fredrikstad put in a resolute performance at Selhurst Park, limiting their hosts to just five shots on target.

They couldn’t hold out for the full 90, with Jean-Philippe Mateta netting Palace’s first-ever European goal in the 54th minute, but even that wasn’t enough to appease some Palace fans.

Crystal Palace fans react to Fredrikstad performance

The Palace faithful are understandably emotional following the news that Eberechi Eze is about to join Arsenal.

What’s more, the club have barely spent this summer so far, with a £2million fee (BBC Sport) for Borna Sosa their only outlay so far.

Palace named three fewer players on the bench than Fredrikstad on Thursday, with two of their nine substitutes goalkeepers and another three youngsters with very little experience. In the end, Glasner chose to only bring on Odsonne Edouard.

All of those factors combined with a frustrating performance against lesser opposition to draw an angry reaction from Palace supporters — who want to see Glasner’s squad strengthened immediately.

Despite the backlash, it’s important to recognise this was a historic night for Palace, and some fans were able to remember that.

Oliver Glasner needs backing from Crystal Palace

Football Insider verdict

It’s been a whirlwind few months for Palace, who have enjoyed the highs of FA Cup and Community Shield glory and the low of being demoted from the Europa League.

But Thursday was a real reality check.

Things didn’t start well, with the Eze to Arsenal news only picking up pace. Glasner and Steve Parish made no secret that the England international — who didn’t play against Fredrikstad — is leaving.

Following that up with a toothless display against a mid-table Norwegian team, with a depleted bench, shines a harsh light on Palace’s depth — and that’s before any potential departure to Liverpool for Guehi.

It’s time for Palace to back Glasner with the signings he needs to make this the exciting campaign it should be for everyone associated with the club.

Perhaps the Eze money will spark a spending spree at the end of the window.

It simply must, if the Eagles are to make sure the last few glorious months haven’t been for nothing.