Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha believes players are intentionally trying to hurt him and called on referees to offer greater protection.
Zaha was involved in another brutal affair during Palace’s 1-0 win away to Huddersfield, in which he scored the only goal of the game.
The 25-year-old has a reputation for going to ground easily but has also been on the receiving end of some heavy challenges, particularly since the start of last season.
Watford midfielder Etienne Capoue was fortunate not to be sent off when the two sides faced off before the international break after standing on Zaha’s calf.
Huddersfield centre-back Zanka was booked for hauling the Ivory Coast international to ground midway through the first half of Palace’s 1-0 win on Saturday and Zaha wants greater protection.
“I know that for a fact [opponents are out to hurt me] but I just don’t know what to do anymore,” Zaha told Sky Sports.
“I end up arguing with referees because today the guy studded me in my shin - do they need to break my leg before anyone gets a red card?
“Last week at Watford he jumped on my calf. What more do I need to do to get the same treatment as other players?
“I can’t say anything else. I just have to do my best and not lose my temper and play football. Yeah I do [need more protection] because they won’t allow me to go on runs or anything.
“I know even if I get kicked, studded - I am not going to get anything so that’s the only thing.”
Zaha has developed into one of the best player outside the Premier League’s top-six clubs since the start of last season.
The Palace No.11 has started the current campaign with three goals in four matches and last month penned a new long-term deal with the club.
While only three Premier League players have been fouled more times than Zaha this season (11), only Capoue (4) has been bored more times than the Ivorian (3).
