TNT Sports reporter Olivia Buzaglo has responded to social media comments after Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta was seen cuddling her during a post-match interview.
The incident occurred after Crystal Palace’s 3-0 victory over Fiorentina, where Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell both scored. Mateta was seen cosying up to Buzaglo as she interviewed them, leading to jokes from fans online.
Buzaglo’s On-Air Reaction
During the interview, Buzaglo responded to Mateta putting his arm around her by joking, ‘We are all having a little cuddle here it looks like.’
She followed this by saying, ‘Guys a quarter-final of a European competition and Crystal Palace saved their best performance for it, what a night JP.’
Mateta responded, ‘Yeah, what a night, what a night. A long time I didn’t play and didn’t start, I am very happy and my guy scored as well. I dream about that at night [scoring], I did and I am so happy.’
Instagram Response
Buzaglo has since taken to Instagram to address the reaction to the interview, describing it as ‘a bit of a crazy morning’. She stated that there was ‘nothing in it’.
In her Instagram story, Buzaglo wrote: ‘Well it’s been a bit of a crazy morning with outlets discussing my post match interview with JP Mateta.
‘It was a privilege to be working at Crystal Palace last night, a memorable European night for the players and the club.
‘I have absolutely no issues whatsoever with JP placing his arm around me. It was a nice, relaxed moment where he was obviously very happy and felt comfortable during the interview, after such a brilliant performance.
‘Absolutely nothing in it guys. Wishing them good luck in the 2nd leg!!’
Mateta’s Performance and Comments
Mateta scored Palace’s opening goal from the penalty spot. This was his first goal since a January move to AC Milan fell through due to a failed medical.
During the interview, Buzaglo highlighted Mateta’s difficult period and invited him to send a message to the Crystal Palace fans, noting he had clapped the supporters post-match.
‘They know me and I keep working hard and I am always here to reach the victory you know, today we did it, but it is not finished because we have one more game in Italy,’ Mateta responded.
The light-hearted exchange also included Mateta saying, ‘I miss it is OK, because my guy scored. I am happy for him as well,’ after Buzaglo pointed out he should have scored a second but was helped out by Mitchell.
Buzaglo noted he dreamed about scoring.
Mateta said that he dreamed about that at night.
Looking Ahead
Crystal Palace will now prepare for the second leg of their Conference League quarter-final.