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Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce says Christian Benteke and Andros Townsend's spat after Middlesbrough win is 'very good' and shows their fighting spirit

Sam Allardyce defended Christian Benteke and Andros Townsend’s on-field spat following Saturday’s crucial win over Middlesbrough.

Despite securing a vital win in their quest to avoid relegation thanks to Patrick van Aanholt’s first Crystal Palace goal, the team-mates stood toe-to-toe in a furious exchange moments after the final whistle.

Benteke was angry with Townsend for not squaring the ball in the closing stages of the game, the England international instead choosing to shoot.

Crystalu00a0Palace players Christian Benteke and Andros Townsend were involved in an argument
Crystal Palace players Christian Benteke and Andros Townsend were involved in an argument
Despite securing a vital win in their quest to avoid relegation the players had to be pulled apart
Despite securing a vital win in their quest to avoid relegation the players had to be pulled apart
Sam Allardyce defended  Benteke and  Townsendu2019s on-field spat, even calling it 'very good'
Sam Allardyce defended Benteke and Townsend’s on-field spat, even calling it 'very good'

Belgium striker Benteke let his colleague know his feelings after the full-time whistle, Middlesbrough goalkeeper Victor Valdes eventually intervening to stop the argument escalating.