Crystal Palace fans rally behind Kelly after costly Southampton error

The Eagles looked to be on their way to victory on the south coast after James Tomkins’s header shortly after the break gave Roy Hodgson’s men the lead they deserved before Kelly’s calamitous error.

With 15 minutes to go the centre back, deployed at right back, saw his loose pass go behind Tomkins, setting Danny Ings through to slot home past Vicente Guaita to level the tie 1-1.

Reflecting on the error, Hodgson cast no blame on Kelly for his mistake, insisting ‘a mistake like that can happen.’

READ: REPORT: Southampton 1 Crystal Palace 1

Equally as forgiving were the Crystal Palace fans who have appreciated the job the former Liverpool man has done in the unfamiliar right back berth since asked to deputise for Joel Ward who’s been side-lined with injury since November 23rd.   

Are people really on Kelly for 1 mistake? I'll admit I was Kelly out before the season just like I was against st buying Ayew and just like with that I'm very happy to have been proven wrong. Kelly has been immense this season, can't turn on him for 1 mistake @cpfc #cpfc

— Tony Hall (@tgh316) December 28, 2019

People digging out Martin Kelly need to fucking do one. Twats.#CPFC

— Michael (@M_CPFC) December 28, 2019

Hang your head in shame you clearly do not watch #CPFC every week. Kelly has been immense for us particularly when playing out of position you 🤡

— Peter Bright (@peterjbright) December 28, 2019

It's quite simple... Anyone thatslags Kelly off gets a wee block and everything is that little bit better 😊 Geezer deserves more. #CPFC

— Stu (@DatGuyStu) December 28, 2019

One mistake from Martin kelly shit happens. To be fair a cb playing at rb and has had a great season so far. A point is decent at saints 4 points in the last 2 games is better than could hoped considering our injury crisis. #CPFC

— Darren watson (@dalboy12) December 28, 2019

Kelly still an absolute hero. Hth #cpfc

— Osian Davis 🇪🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@osian_davis) December 28, 2019

Martin Kelly is human after all then. Tbh with the way we play there is always room for that kind of error in our back four especially when teams press us. Still love the bloke! #cpfc

— Cameron 🦅 (@killacree17) December 28, 2019

Cruising until the Kelly mistake but not going to get on his back as I think he has had a decent season.

Guiata has got to be one of the best free transfers of the season. 3 top class saves keeping us in the game. #cpfc 👏🏽👏🏽

— David Gill (@Davey_G85) December 28, 2019

Martin Kelly has had an immense season, with a lot of it played out of position. One lapse in concentration doesn’t change that 🔴🔵 #cpfc

— Phil (@PhilJW103) December 28, 2019

All things considered, very happy with a point in the end. Kelly is already forgiven. Our squad is knackered and they’re outperforming in the circumstances #CPFC

— Di Mateo (@letsdancemofos) December 28, 2019

Any fucker criticises Martin Kelly for that one mistake amongst the tons of impeccable games he's s played needs to give their heads a wobble.

In fact, I don't expect to see any criticism at all beyond the philosophical, as I know you're all sensible people., 😜 #CPFC pic.twitter.com/6muHjkKWWp

— GazBod (@gazbod) December 28, 2019

Anyone who is slagging off Kelly shpuld be ashamed of themselves.

He has been amazing this year, and he made one error out of tiredness.

We push on. Forget about it.#cpfc

— Alex (@Alexx_Eagle) December 28, 2019