Patrick Vieira questions Chelsea FA Cup Conor Gallagher decision

boss

Patrick Vieira

has criticized

for not allowing loanee Conor Gallagher to play in the FA Cup semi-final, alleging that the midfielder will be "the only one who loses."

Gallagher joined Selhurst Park on a season-long loan from Chelsea at the start of the season, and the midfielder has been a standout for the Eagles, who advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 4-0 win against

Everton

.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have turned down Palace's plea for a special dispensation to allow Gallagher to play against his original club in the FA Cup on April 17, citing FA rules prohibiting loanees from playing against the team to which they are signed. Vieira was perplexed by the decision, claiming that

would be the only one who suffered as a result of the refusal.

"It's not the ideal rule because Conor will be the only one who loses," the Frenchman explained. "There's a semi-final, which is a really exciting game about how you'll manage yourself and prepare yourself to play that game, and then there's actually playing that game and the significance of it." "It's an opportunity the player is missing out on, and I'm sorry for his loss.

He's played every game so far, and if anyone deserves to be in the semi-final based on their performances, it's him, so I'm unhappy he won't be able to participate. "Chelsea sent him out on loan in order for him to play these types of games. We have a chance to play a significant game as a group, and that game would have given him more confidence and belief.

We could lose, but he needs to be on the field in order to continue his development. "He's been excellent since he's been with us, and the fact that he didn't get an opportunity to play in that game is upsetting for his development.

"I feel bad for him because he wanted to be a part of that game - every player would want to be a part of it." Gallagher's reaction to the FA Cup last-four draw, according to Vieira, has been palpable in training. "That affected him the next day in training," he continued. "He realized right immediately that it was a game he would not be able to participate in. We sympathize with him. "He's been outstanding since he's joined us, and the fact that he won't be able to participate in that game is a setback for his growth.

"I feel bad for him because he wanted to play in that game - every player would." Gallagher's impact on training has been obvious, according to Vieira, following the

FA Cup

last-four draw. "That affected him the next day in training," he added. "He saw right away that he wouldn't be able to participate in the game. We sympathize with his situation. "Right away, he returned his focus to training." When we get to game week, things will get a lot tougher. Looking at the team, preparing himself, and not getting involved will be difficult for him." That will be difficult for him."

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