The Premier League return of Sam Allardyce was never going to go off without incident. Big Sam managed to open his account as Crystal Palace manager, by gaining one point at Vicarage Road, with a 1-1 draw.
However, it was events post game that angered the former England manager. He was maddened by the actions of the Watford mascot, of all people. After the final whistle ‘Harry the Hornet’ went straight over to Zaha and threw himself on the ground, simulating a dive which Zaha had been accused of doing during the match.
Both player and manager were incensed with Harry’s carry on and reacted accordingly.
Watford's mascot, The Hornet, just dived in front of Zaha as he walked over to applaud Palace's travelling supporters. Zaha not happy.
— Sam Cunningham (@samcunningham) December 26, 2016
Unfortunately the cameras at the ground didn’t manage to properly catch the incident.
Sam Allardyce says Watford's mascot was 'out of order' for diving in front of Wilfried Zaha after the final whistle.
— Sam Cunningham (@samcunningham) December 26, 2016
Sure, the Simpsons predicted a lot of stuff, but Family Guy predicted Sam Allardyce getting upset with a mascot: pic.twitter.com/nas5hENSY0
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) December 27, 2016