TNT reporter responds after Mateta interview goes viral for 'little cuddle'

TNT Sports reporter Olivia Buzaglo has responded to Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta putting his arm around her during an interview at Selhurst Park.

On Thursday (April 9), Oliver Glasner’s Eagles side put in a fine performance against Fiorentina in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final tie.

Mateta opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 24th minute before Tyrick Mitchell doubled the home side’s lead seven minutes later. Ismaïla Sarr rounded off the win with a third.

Shortly after the end of the match, both Mitchell and Mateta spoke to TNT Sports reporter Buzaglo, with the Palace players appearing pleased with their showings.

“We are all having a little cuddle here, it looks like,” Buzaglo joked as Mateta had his arm around her.

“Guys, a quarter-final of a European competition and Crystal Palace saved their best performance for it, what a night, JP.”

“Yeah, what a night, what a night,” Mateta said. “A long time I didn’t play and didn’t start. I am very happy and my guy scored as well. I dream about that at night [scoring], I did, and I am so happy.”

The exchange appeared friendly, with Buzaglo even focusing on the fact that Mateta should have scored a second, to the amusement of the Palace stars.

“I missed it, it is OK, because my guy scored,” the Frenchman responded. “I am happy for him as well.”

Fans quickly noticed that Mateta had his arm around the reporter for the entire interview, with some criticising him on social media.

One said: “Why TF was he even holding on to her like that?”

Another added: “Why is he holding her like that?”

While a third claimed: “Was I the only one who was uncomfortable with the way Mateta held that reporter all through the interview?”

Despite fans’ claims, Buzaglo has since posted a clip of the interview to her Instagram story, as well as another with both her and the Palace striker laughing together, which would appear to show that she was fine with the exchange.

Later on Friday (April 10), Buzaglo then issued a statement via her Instagram story, which read: "Well it’s been a bit of a crazy morning with outlets discussing my post match interview with JP Mateta.

"It was a privilege to be working at Crystal Palace last night, a memorable European night for the players and the club.

"I have absolutely no issues whatsoever with JP placing his arm around me. It was a nice, relaxed moment where he was obviously very happy and felt comfortable during the interview, after such a brilliant performance.

"Absolutely nothing in it guys 🤣 Wishing them good luck in the 2nd leg!!"

Palace return to Premier League action at home against Newcastle on April 12 before they contest the Conference League quarter-final second leg in Florence on April 16.