Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce has defended Mamadou Sakho's celebration in Sunday's 2-1 victory over Liverpool.
Palace's Sakho, who could not play in the game as he is on loan from Liverpool, came in for criticism after he performed a handshake celebration by the touchline with goal scorer Christian Benteke after he made it 1-1 at Anfield.
However, Allardyce has dismissed the uproar, saying he saw nothing wrong with the on-loan centre-back's actions toward his parent club.
"I find it very difficult that we can't celebrate these days," he said. "You can't take your shirt off, have a bit of fun.
"They've bonded since they got here, and Christian playing well may be his partnership on and off the field with Mama Sakho."
Television footage appeared to show Palace assistant Sammy Lee looking unimpressed with the celebration, but Allardyce says the former Liverpool player did not witness the routine with the two players.
"It was entertainment value when he scored," Allardyce added. "Sammy Lee didn't see it. He wasn't miserable or moaning about it.
"He can't even remember what happened. I can't either. I don't see a problem with it, personally."
Sakho spoke after the match about how he did not mean to disrespect Liverpool after Benteke's goal.
Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic was lucky to escape with a yellow card following a tackle on James Tomkins, according to Allardyce.
Grujic, who appeared as a second-half substitute, was booked in the 84th minute for a desperate challenge on Tomkins, which may have ended the defender's season.
"It's a bad injury for Tomkins," the former England boss said. "I am very pleased there's nothing broken given the nature of the tackle. He may not be fit again this season.
"I think [Grujic] was lucky to get a yellow, he wasn't in control and hit just above the ankle."
