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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><ul><li>Branson threw a drink at Eze</li><li>Palace star beat the British billionaire at Chess</li><li>Linked with a move to Arsenal and Spurs</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

VIDEO: Eberechi Eze has drink THROWN on him by Richard Branson after Arsenal-linked Crystal Palace hero beat British billionaire at chess on luxury Mallorca getaway

Club Friendlies

Crawley

Crystal Palace

<p>Branson posted a video on his Instagram profile where Eze beat him in a game of chess. After getting checkmated, the businessman threw a drink from his glass on the Palace star, who burst into laughter.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

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WATCH THE CLIP

<p>After a dream season at Selhurst Park, where Eze - who is a very strong chess player and has competed in tournaments - scored 14 goals across all competitions and provided 11 assists, he is now being linked with a move away from the Eagles as <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/north-london-transfer-battle-arsenal-bid-hijack-rivals-tottenham-move-crystal-palace-talisman-eberechi-eze/blt76c7445d8c843a02#csd608d1a9f5a95edd" target="_blank">north London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal are competing to secure his transfer</a>. The 27-year-old has a £68m ($93m) release clause in his existing deal which is likely to be demanded by Palace to any potential suitors.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>"Had the great pleasure of spending time – and playing chess – with the delightful Ebs @Eze this week
. Ebs of course scored the winning goal in Crystal Palace’s historic FA Cup victory, and is one of England’s brightest stars.
</p><p>"When I then heard he is also a huge chess fan, I invited him to come and give me a game (or five!)
. We had four very entertaining games, which finished 2-2. Then in the deciding game, I very foolishly got my queen trapped… Ebs should have guessed what was coming next!
</p><p>"Seeing as Ebs won a chess tournament recently, I’m not too disappointed. And we were thrilled to spend time with Ebs and his delightful wife Naima - we’ve became firm friends.
 Best of luck for the season ahead, and I’ll get you on the chessboard next time!"</p>

WHAT BRANSON SAID

<p>The England international is expected to link up with his Palace team-mates later this week as Oliver Glasner's side <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/premier-league-pre-season-hub-a-detailed-breakdown-of-all-friendlies-of-the-20-premier-league-clubs-along-with-venue-and-kickoff-times/blt01fe0f52b19f4730" target="_blank">play their first pre-season friendly on July 12 against Millwall </a>behind closed doors.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR EBERECHI EZE?

VIDEO: Eberechi Eze has drink THROWN on him by Richard Branson after Arsenal-linked Crystal Palace hero beat British billionaire at chess on luxury Mallorca getaway | Goal.com

British billionaire Richard Branson jokingly threw a drink at Eberechi Eze after losing at chess to the Crystal Palace star. The duo spent time together at a luxury hotel in Mallorca as the England international enjoys a well-earned rest after a hectic season that culminated in winning the FA Cup, with the Eagles beating Manchester City in the final.

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