Fans spraypainted the words "Crystal Palace FC" on the side of the vehicle while it was parked outside a nearby hotel on Friday.

But the coach was Palace's, and those responsible for attacking it may have been confused by the fact that the players were staying at a hotel often used by away teams visiting Selhurst Park.

News of the vandalism was reportedly tweeted by Palace assistant head groundsman Dean Waters, who later hid  tweet that read: "£40,000 worth of damage on our coach thinking it was the Boro coach. Nice one! #cpfc."

A spokesman for Palace told The Sun that police had been told about the damage.

After it was discovered, a replacement coach was obtained to take the players to Selhurst for the game.

Palace beat Middlesbrough 1-0 with a Patrick van Aanholt goal, lifting them out of the relegation zone at the expense of struggling champions Leicester, who play Liverpool at home on Monday.