Crystal Palace have made a grave mistake in sacking an outstanding young manager. They have panicked and the timing feels particularly hurtful when Patrick Vieira was preparing to take his side back to Arsenal, the club he still loves.
I visited Palace's training ground last month and spent the day shadowing him. I saw how involved he was in training, how he interacted with players such as Wilfried Zaha, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise on a one-to-one level, how he was creating a great working environment for the staff.
There was a perfect harmony between Vieira and his players, who I suspect will have taken yesterday's news to heart.