TNT Sports reporter Olivia Buzaglo has issued a response to fans on social media after Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta was seen cuddling up to her during a post-match interview.
Mateta could be seen cosying up to the reporter as she interviewed him and Tyrick Mitchell after the pair scored in Crystal Palace’s 3-0 victory over Fiorentina in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final, prompting fans to joke that someone should check on her boyfriend.
Buzaglo seemed in a good mood as she joked, ‘We are all having a little cuddle here it looks like,’ when Mateta put his arm around her.
Now she has taken to Instagram regarding what has ‘been a bit of a crazy morning’ following the interview, and has claimed there is ‘nothing in it’.
Sharing a story to the social media app, Buzaglo wrote: ‘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!!’
The French forward scored Palace’s opener from the penalty spot, marking his first goal since a January move to AC Milan broke down over a failed medical.
As the post-match interview began on TNT Sports, Mateta could be seen putting his arm around Buzaglo and leaning in to listen to her question.
‘We are all having a little cuddle here it looks like,’ Buzaglo joked in response, before stating: ‘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 replied. ‘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 light-hearted exchange continued, as Buzaglo pointed out that Mateta should have scored a second but was helped out by Mitchell following up to score.
‘I miss it is OK, because my guy scored. I am happy for him as well,’ Mateta said in response.
Highlighting a difficult 2026 to date, owing to his failed move and knee injury, Buzaglo invited Mateta to offer a message to the Crystal Palace fans after noting he had clapped the supporters post-match.
‘They know me and I keep working hard and I am always here to reach the victory you know, today we did it, but it is not finished because we have one more game in Italy,’ Mateta responded.
Fans watching on TNT Sports were quick to highlight how Mateta’s arm had been around Buzaglo throughout the entire exchange.
Several fans were quick to joke at the expense of Buzaglo’s boyfriend, the football YouTuber and podcaster Tom Garratt.
‘Someone check on Tom Garratt,’ one fan wrote, with another commenting ‘her man must be fuming’.
Some, however, questioned whether Mateta had been unprofessional in the exchange.
‘I like his enthusiasm and he’s a great player, but the arm round her is a bit uncomfortable for a professional interview,’ one wrote.
Another said: ‘Tiny bit weird he keeps his arm around her the whole time no?’
Others noted that Mateta’s closeness may have been an attempt to better hear Buzaglo, who later shared the interview.
Crystal Palace will take a 3-0 lead to Italy for the second leg next week, with Oliver Glasner’s side seeking to seal a place in the semi-finals of the Conference League.
