Former England stars in agreement with Crystal Palace man over ‘harsh’ Aston Villa penalty

The awarding of a penalty to Aston Villa late in their match against Crystal Palace was one of the more notable taling points from the weekend’s Premier League action and led to much annoyance in the Eagles’ camp.

Palace had been in front through Odsonne Edouard’s goal early in the second half and looked like they might hang on for a win at Villa Park. However, Jhon Duran equalised in the 87th minute and in injury time, the visitors’ hopes of taking a point back to the capital were thwarted when Ollie Watkins went down in the box following a challenge by Chris Richards.

Leon Bailey went on to make it 3-1 to the home side but the awarding of that penalty left a sour taste in the mouth for those associated with Palace as it took four minutes between the challenge taking place and Luiz stepping up to take it after VAR told referee Darren England to have another look, the official having initially pointing to the spot.

With Palace boss Roy Hodgson missing from the sidelines after taking ill in the run up to the match, first team coach Paddy McCarthy spoke afterwards about the decision and he wasn’t impressed by the call.

“To concede a goal in the 87th minute and then to concede a goal in controversial circumstances later on is disappointing,” he said.

“If it takes five minutes to make a decision that tells you everything you need to know. People in the studio have asked him to go and have a look. Whatever he has seen on the monitor has not changed his mind.”

It looked as though Richards had got plenty on the ball in his tackle and there was agreement from a couple of high profile pundits around the decision.

“I feel for the Palace players, I feel [Villa] have got away with one,” said Danny Murphy on Match of the Day. “I don’t think it’s an absolute howler.”

Host and fellow former England international Gary Lineker added: “I think it’s very harsh. At  least he gave it himself and he stuck with it but I think it’s a tough one on Crystal Palace. You need a bit of luck sometimes.”