Some Crystal Palace fans are now fearing a points deduction after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against Liverpool.
The Eagles have already been slapped with a £25,000 fine by the FA after picking up eight yellow cards against the Reds.
Now, some supporters are fearing further punishment following Saturday’s eventful Premier League clash at Selhurst Park.
So, why do some Crystal Palace fans fear a points deduction? Let’s take a look…
Why Crystal Palace fans fear a points deduction
Well – as you may already know – the Premier League now allow clubs to make five substitutions during a game, rather than three.
However – to avoid time wasting – these five changes can only be made within three stoppages.
That is why some Crystal Palace fans are panicking.
Roy Hodgson made five substitutions against Jürgen Klopp’s side on Saturday, with Jean-Philippe Mateta replacing Odsonne Edouard, and Michael Olise coming on for Jefferson Lerma shortly after.
Naouirou Ahamada then came on for Jeffrey Schlupp in the 84th minute before Remi Matthews replaced Sam Johnstone in the 87th minute.
Hodgson lastly decided to throw David Ozoh into the action in the 94th minute as Will Hughes made way.
Clearly, there are more than three separate stoppages here, and the Crystal Palace fans below are concerned – as you can see for yourself.
So, are Crystal Palace in trouble? We doubt it.
The introduction of Mateta happened at the half time interval, so that cannot count as a stoppage made purely to introduce a substitute.
Matthews for Johnstone was also an emergency switch due to injury – it also happened in the same stoppage as Ahamada’s introduction, while the Crystal Palace No.1 received treatment on his calf.
Ultimately, the officials would simply block Hodgson from making another substitute if the 76-year-old had already used up his available slots.
Therefore – despite the fine for eight yellow cards – no further action should be taken.
