- Animal rights group Peta has written to Crystal Palace demanding an immediate end to the use of the team’s live bald eagle mascot, Phoenix.
- Peta argued that noisy, crowded stadium environments are “no place for animals” and leave wild birds “frightened, disoriented and panicked”.
- The campaign highlighted past incidents involving live birds at matches, including a 2015 incident, believed to involve a supporter of a rival team attacking Palace's previous eagle mascot, Kayla.
- Crystal Palace, who have been nicknamed the Eagles since 1973, have been contacted for comment on the request.
- The call comes during a difficult spell on the pitch for Palace, following a 5-0 defeat to local rivals Brighton.
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