Crystal Palace and former manager Patrick Vieira had been growing distant for over a month.

Former Arsenal captain Vieira was sacked by Palace on Friday morning.

The Daily Mail says Vieira believes he's not been supported, in more ways than just the transfer market.

He was also believed to be angered that news of his sacking was delivered via a phone call from chairman Steve Parish, feeling the act should have been completed face-to-face.

In contrast, Palace have been irked by what they view as a lack of willingness to communicate from Vieira in recent weeks - namely after the team's loss to Aston Villa earlier this month.

The now departed Palace boss didn't speak to his players after the 1-0 defeat at Villa Park. His silence extended into the start of the following week, compounding the growing disconnect between manager and boardroom.

Vieira is believed to be disappointed that the club have not been more forthcoming with regards to offering him a new contract. His deal expired at the end of next season.

It has been indicated l that the club were preparing to open talks over a deal after the World Cup.

For weeks there has been deep concern about Vieira's waning morale. The club's dreadful form hit him hard.

He's been low - the loss against arch-rivals Brighton arrived as another crushing blow to his mood.

On Friday morning, all parties mutually agreed that there was no future in this once burgeoning relationship and Vieira was dismissed.