Everybody wants to feel the magic of the FA Cup – but not everyone is allowed to. Some, because they haven’t qualified for the prestigious competition – and some, like Conor Gallagher, because their contract says so.When the young Englishman joined Crystal Palace on a season-long loan last July, a part of the agreement was a clause that doesn’t allow him to play against Chelsea, the club that officially still pays his wages. Naturally, it meant that he’d have to sit out two Premier League fixtures. Not too bad, right? But he never dreamt that Palace and Chelsea would meet in a colossal FA Cup semi-final tie at Wembley Stadium.It’s the competition everyone wants to play in, the venue where players dream of appearing, a chance to book a place in the final where Liverpool awaits… But Conor will have to sit and watch.🗣 “I apologised because I know how competitive he is.”Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says he can understand Conor Gallagher’s disappointment at having to miss the FA Cup semi-final this weekend. pic.twitter.com/0vu1DmqaaQ— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 15, 2022 Palace made an official request to Chelsea for Gallagher to play, but the Blues rejected it due to the terms of his loan. While Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel insisted that was the correct decision, he also admitted understanding the 22-year-old’s frustrations.”I had the chance to speak to Conor, and I could also see his frustration. We met some weeks ago in a restaurant and chat about it. And I apologised because I know how competitive he is and his character. We play to win the game, and the rules were clear when we made the loan. I can totally understand Conor’s disappointment, but these were the rules when we made the loan, and we don’t want to suffer from our rules.”The FA Cup: The oldest competition in the world with a surprisingly young trophyTuchel might have denied Gallagher a chance to play in the semi-final today, but they might be together in another semi-final or final next season. The German coach wants Conor to play for Chelsea and use the experience he gained this year at Selhurst Park.”His development is extraordinary and outstanding. He is one of the key players at Crystal Palace, and he has made a huge step in his development upfront. He was a pleasure to coach in pre-season – he has so much positive energy, so much energy in general, and so much work rate to give that he can, of course, be a big help and a big influence.”Thomas Tuchel reiterating that Conor Gallagher will be part of Chelsea’s first team next season. pic.twitter.com/ofon8nI1c9— Frank Khalid (@FrankKhalidUK) April 15, 2022 The Eagles’ coach Patrick Vieira fought many battles against the Blues in his playing days. He lifted the FA Cup wearing an Arsenal shirt, but this will be completely different. This time, he’ll have to organise his team against one of the best sides in the world. And even the Frenchman believes that whoever takes Gallagher’s place would do well.”Conor was disappointed, no doubt about it, but he understood the rules, and he’s in a good place. These are the rules. Of course, he knows that Conor has been doing really well for us. But these are the rules, and we have to play by them. We will have another player playing and having different options. I am not worried about players coming in.”It should be an exciting game, but Conor Gallagher will have to settle for being an onlooker. Just like the rest of us.FA CUPSemi-finalSaturdayManchester City – Liverpool 2-3 (0-3)/Grealish 47, Silva 91+1 – Konate 9, Mane 17, 45/Sunday18.30: (1.60) Chelsea (4.00) Crystal Palace (6.50)***odds are subject to change
