Crystal Palace's Cheerleader problem

English Championship side Crystal Palace have a cheerleader problem of sorts. The bosses at the club brought in the American-style pom-pom girls in December last year to entertain the crowds and 'inspire the players' before, during and after each home game at Selhurst Park.

The troupe of 14 girls named 'Crystals' have not only support amongst the crowds, but opponents as well who say they should not be around at the games as they are a distraction for the players and it isn't something which suits football culture. But interestingly since they have been performing Crystal Palace hasn't lost a home game, but still have slipped in the table to be now only just above the relegation zone.

While some want to get rid of the girls by saying, "They are just pole dancers on grass and they should be stopped – they are not doing the team any favours," others feel, "The reason for our poor league position is our away form where the girls don’t even appear!"

Opinions seem divided, but the club stand by the 'Crystals' and will allow the girls to perform at Selhurst Park. Somehow it reminds me of the idea of the Zeebras by Zee Sports when they came in as television partner of the AIFF in 2005 and brought on their own version of cheerleaders. I remember initially it worked before it faded away...


Here a new feature from ITN on the Crystal Palace cheerleaders