Crystal Palace fans left in the dark as ex-Arsenal star fails to appear in official team photo
Crystal Palace's men's and women's teams gathered together for a full club photo – but there was one glaring omission.
A total of 48 players and staff gathered for the photograph at Selhurst Park, which the Eagles captioned on social media: “One club.”
However, fans were quick to point out the centre-back's absence. Stealing by holdingwho joined the club just a year ago in a £4m deal Arsenal.
One fan wrote: “We absolutely need to know what Rob Holding has done.”
A second supporter said: “Rob Holding is nowhere to be seen. I know Glasner has said why he is not involved will remain an internal matter, but I would love to know what is behind it.”
Meanwhile, a third fan messaged: “Rob Holding is not in the picture. Honestly, just terminate his contract by mutual consent, it's the best thing for all parties.”
The 29-year-old was named in Palace's Premier League squad for the season but was dropped from the first team by Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.
Explaining his reasoning, Glasner commented: “Rob is training individually at the moment.
“We'll talk together. He knows the reason, but it's something that stays between Rob and me. It's not public.”
However, The athletic claims the two had a falling out when Holding asked the Palace manager about completing a post-match warm-up after the 2-0 defeat to West Ham in August over injury fears.
Although Holding completed the drill, Glasner ordered him to train with the under-21s.
Palace's Under-21s held on to their lead in their 3-1 win over Gillingham in Tuesday's EFL Trophy clash.
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His only appearance with the Eagles' first team came in a Carabao Cup Draw last season against Manchester United.
Apart from that, he has either been an unused substitute or has been forced to watch the match from the stands after being left out of the squad.
Earlier this month, Holding removed all traces Palace on his Instagram and unfollowed the club on social media.
The centre-back has plummeted down the pecking order at Selhurst Park following the summer arrivals of Chadi Riad, Maxence Lacroix and Trevoh Chalobah.
Holding's exile comes just a year into his contract with Palace, which expires in 2026.
He joined Palace from Arsenal, where he had made 162 appearances, in the hope of getting more playing time.
During his time at the Emirates, Holding won the FA Cup in 2017 and 2020.
Holding had moved to Arsenal from Bolton in 2016, where he broke into the first team as an academy product.
Palace are yet to record a Premier League win this season, having drawn three games and lost twice.
However, they are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions ahead of Saturday's clash with 19th-placed Everton at Goodison Park.
