Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson played down Wilfried Zaha's flat performance for their 0-0 draw against Newcastle United.

Hodgson pinpointed the furore surrounding Zaha's demand for more protection as a factor in the Crystal Palace star's subdued performance.

"That has had an affect but you don't want to muzzle people when they want to make a point," Hodgson said.

He insisted that it was not an attempt by Palace to secure special treatment: "We don't do that at this club."

Hodgson said Zaha had a back spasm in warm-up: "But he was cleared to play by the doctor and he wanted to play."