The Watford mascot for the day accused Crystal Palace of “compromising” its security.
Gareth Evans, who has been Harry the Hornet since 2008, was shown without his mask on the big screen in Selhurst Park before Saturday’s game.
Palace TV
The clip was shown to supporters inside Selhurst Park before kick-off on Saturday
There has been a longstanding feud between Harry the Hornet and Crystal Palace since 2016 when the former provoked Wilfried Zaha by diving into the grounds of Vicarage Road.
Before their meeting in August 2018, the boss of the Eagles, Roy Hodgson, described the actions of the mascot as “shameful”.
And before the shock of Saturday, that Palace won 1-0 thanks to the goal of Jordan Ayew, the identity of Harry the Hornet was broadcast on the big screen.
And Evans challenged the clip.
Palace TV
There have been tensions between Harry the Hornet and Crystal Palace since 2016
He tweeted, “Back home, not because of the best efforts of a professional football club compromising my safety – even friends who support this club have said it and are embarrassed.
“Next game, You Horns.”
Palace star Zaha has been booked twice against Watford in the past.
He also won the decisive penalty, which Kevin Phillips scored while Palace defeated Watford in the 2013 Championship playoff final at Wembley.
Speaking of the incident in which Harry the Hornet made fun of Zaha, he told Football365: “Zaha is a fantastic footballer, there is no doubt about it.
Getty
Gareth Evans is Harry the hornet since 2008
“He passed in front of me as he descends the tunnel, the fans call him a diver, so I just dived on the ground. Neither more nor less.
“I walked away and got a reaction from Palace fans, so I did it again – why not?
“I had no idea what was going to happen. It was my friend’s birthday that night so I went out, watched Match of the Day in the pub, and they zoomed in on Harry.
“I laughed, Alan Shearer laughed, Ian Wright laughed – they all laughed.”
