Julian Speroni has defended the behaviour of Crystal Palace supporters after Pape Souare had his shirt thrown back at him by a fan.

The incident happened after the Eagles succumbed to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Championship side Bristol City in Tuesday night's EFL Cup fourth-round tie at Ashton Gate.

Souare was making his second appearance for Palace since his return from injury, after spending a year out with a broken leg sustained in a car crash.

"I understand the frustration because we are not picking up results and especially after a score like last night it is always tough for the fans," Speroni told Sky Sports News.

"And they show their emotions in different ways and we have to respect that. I know Papa [Souare], I know he did it with the best intentions and he's a great guy.

"But we have to understand the frustrations of the fans in the heat of the moment. We can't blame anyone for doing something, it's a reaction.

"We need to make sure we are together as a unit. That's the only way you can get out of trouble when you're in these kind of situations."

The defeat in Bristol was Palace's ninth in 12 games in all competitions this season.