Crystal Palace were unlucky as they lost to Liverpool in controversial circumstances yesterday, as Jordan Ayew was sent off in the second half.
Palace were 1-0 up and good value for their lead in what was a vastly improved performance from the displays in recent weeks, and Jean-Philippe Mateta gave the hosts the lead with a second-half penalty.
Ayew had picked up a yellow card in the 60th minute for standing too close to Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk during a free-kick.
However, he then brought down Harvey Elliott for a standard foul in the 75th minute, after which referee Andrew Madley shocked Selhurst Park by brandishing a second yellow card.
Liverpool went on to equalise a minute later, before scoring in stoppage time to grab all three points off the hosts.
Pundits give verdict on Jordan Ayew sending off
Speaking on TNT Sports after the game, Rio Ferdinand slammed the decision to send the forward off, claiming that his foul was not worthy of a second yellow card.
“Sometimes you gotta play the fact that this is the person on the yellow card as well, and that should come into it,” the former Manchester United defender stated.
“There’s no kind of animosity within the tackle. I know it’s a maybe a tactical foul in that sense, but I don’t believe that was a yellow card at all.”
Alan Shearer also backed Ayew over the red card, posting on X that it “should never have been another yellow.”
Game-changing decision for Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace fans were left fuming at the decision, and with Mohamed Salah’s goal coming a minute later, it left a heavy impact on the game.
Roy Hodgson’s side could have secured at least a point if they were defending with 11 men, and given the poor recent run of one win in the last eight games, this could have major implications on the rest of the season.
Palace may not be in any immediate danger of relegation, but if results continue to slide, they could look at this game as a missed opportunity to turn around their fortunes.
