Charlie Nicholas has labelled Crystal Palace "a joke" after the club sacked former boss Frank De Boer after just 77 days in charge.

The Dutchman oversaw the worst start to any top-flight club's campaign in 93 years while at Selhurst Park and managed just four Premier League games in South London.

Palace have endured four defeats without scoring a goal this season as the club prop up the Premier League.

"De Boer inherited a mess, that's why Sam [Allardyce] wanted out, and they've made him a scapegoat," Nicholas told Sky Sports News.

"You look at [chairman] Steve Parish and wonder what is he contributing? Why did Big Sam leave them?

"I put no blame on De Boer. Of course he wants to play a different style but so does every manager. It's an absolute joke that this happens and Palace are a joke to treat somebody with a good reputation like this.

"Parish should hang his head in shame. I just find it absolutely deplorable."

Former England boss Roy Hodgson is the favourite to take over at the club, who host Southampton on Saturday.