Sky Sports were forced to issue an on-air apology after Patrice Evra bizarrely claimed that Wilfried Zaha had an affair with David Moyes’ daughter, costing him his career at Manchester United.
The Crystal Palace forward took on his former club at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, scoring twice in a shock 3-1 win for the visitors, with Evra discussing why such a talented player did not make the grade at United before the game.
‘I think all the Crystal Palace fans know Wilfried Zaha deserves better than Crystal Palace, with all due respect. But such an electric player,’ said Evra.
‘And I remember I think at Manchester United, he had this – true or untrue – affair with David Moyes’ daughter.
‘Because I remember in the pre-season he was playing every game, brilliant, and then when that news came out, out of the game and he disappeared.’
Evra’s false claim, which was a mere internet rumour with no basis, has been rubbished by Zaha in the past and presenter Kelly Cates interjected after Evra’s comments.
She said: ‘As you said, we don’t know the background to that story so probably best to leave that one just for now.’
Sky were forced to make a further apology later in the show, after Zaha had bagged his brace, clarifying that there was no truth at all in what Evra had said.
Cates explained: ‘We have to clarify a comment made earlier in the programme suggesting there may have been a relationship between Wilfried Zaha and David Moyes’ daughter.
‘We understand that Wilfried Zaha has never met David Moyes’ daughter and that the claim made by Patrice was false and we apologise for any offence caused.’
Evra on Zaha âI remember he was such an electric player but then he had this affair with David Moyes daughterâ Sky have just had to apologise ð @Evra ð¥ pic.twitter.com/LcXRGK4FmI
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand about the ridiculous rumours earlier this year, Zaha himself said: ‘No one at the club at all told me anything, I didn’t know what to do whatsoever.
‘I remember tweeting something about it saying “silly rumours” because it was getting too much so I had to say something myself and then I remember the club media messaging me saying, “You shouldn’t have done that, you shouldn’t have done this” and I’m thinking you haven’t helped me.
‘I’m here by myself, struggling because people are telling me I’ve slept with the manager’s daughter and that’s why you’re not playing me.’
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