Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has come under scrutiny following his defensive lapse in the club’s 3-0 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.
Sports reporter Gail Davis criticized Bassey’s role in Ismaïla Sarr’s goal, which doubled Palace’s lead just before halftime.
The Nigerian international was caught out at the near post as Eberechi Eze delivered a well-placed cross for Sarr to head home.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Davis described Fulham’s defending as too passive, adding that the goal “felt like it was scored in slow motion.”
She also highlighted that Jean-Philippe Mateta was the first to celebrate with Sarr, emphasizing how easily the goal was conceded.
Despite the criticism, Bassey has been a key performer for Fulham this season, featuring in 30 matches across all competitions and scoring against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and Manchester United in the FA Cup.
The 24-year-old’s form earned him a Super Eagles call-up for Nigeria’s recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
