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Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has sympathised with West Ham supporters with regards to their current plight - whilst defending co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold.

Parish, whose Palace side are currently three points and two places below West Ham in the Premier League table was speaking in the wake of the disturbances that highlighted the supporters' dissatisfaction with the way the club is currently being managed.

And despite his side sitting in the relegation zone with just nine matches left to play, Parish stressed that he wouldn't change places with the Hammers. "I do not wish what happened at West Ham on anyone," he told the Croydon Advertiser. "I do not look at that and think 'that is great for us at Palace'.

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"I know David Sullivan and David Gold. I know those guys have got their heart and soul in that club. None of us are going to get this right, everything we do at a football club. It is impossible, but everyone knows the team you should have picked at 4.45pm on Saturday! It is easy to criticise.

"I know it is difficult for supporters to stay calm in that moment. We have all had it after a game when we are getting beat. It is not a nice experience and I think you can make your feelings known without stepping over the line. I was disappointed to see that.

"But I know that club is a great club and have got great supporters. And I know they will all rally round as well. When push comes to shove they will all be there for the team. They will. They made their feelings known and hopefully they have put that behind them."

Parish, who has been involved at Selhurst Park since 2012 also urged Hammers fans to keep the current situation in "perspective" - no doubt a reminder that the fans can still play a major role in their team's fortunes.

"Three teams have got to get relegated, and everyone is trying as hard as they can to stay in the league," he added. "Things do not go wrong on purpose. I understand people get angry, but I think we have got to keep some perspective."

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