Crystal Palace punishment verdict as Karou Mitoma footage re-analysed – ex-PGMOL boss
Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix should have been penalised for a foul given against Brighton winger Karou Mitoma in the clash between the two sides, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Frenchman did not however deserve a card for the challenge.
Crystal Palace continued their excellent recent form with a 2-1 win over Brighton at Selhurst Park on Saturday (5 April).
Unsurprisingly for a meeting between two rivals, the game though was not without it share of flashpoints, with referee Anthony Taylor sending three players off.
Crystal Palace had red cards shown to substitute Eddie Nketiah and centre-back Marc Guehi, while Jan Paul van Hecke was also dismissed for Brighton.
Another incident that gave the referee a decision to make, came when Lacroix and Mitoma clashed during the second half.
Maxence Lacroix avoids punishment after Karou Mitoma collision
With 52 minutes on the clock and the score locked at 1-1, Brighton looked to launch a counter attack into the Crystal Palace half.
As they did so, Mitoma was forced to slide to play the ball after a heavy touch, which he managed to do successfully.
He was though then caught late in the challenge by Lacroix, leaving both players on the ground in some apparent pain.
| Crystal Palace last five games | Result |
| Millwall (H) | Won 3-1 |
| Ipswich (H) | Won 1-0 |
| Fulham (A) | Won 3-0 |
| Southampton (A) | Drew 1-1 |
| Brighton (H) | Won 2-1 |
To the surprise of many, Taylor then elected to give a free kick in favour of Lacroix and Crystal Palace, despite the centre-back being the one who had been late in the challenge.
Now, Hackett believes that a free kick should indeed have been awarded in favour of Brighton, although he does not believe he Frenchman deserved any further punishment.
Keith Hackett reacts to foul controversy in Crystal Palace vs Brighton
After being asked by Football Insider if the foul should have been given against Lacroix and if the Crystal Palace man should have received a card, the former referee said:
“Anthony Taylor’s right up with play here and right on the job. In fact I think he’s officiating as well as he’s ever done, but I think on this one… I think the first thing is he might have played advantage, had he seen it the right way.
“He didn’t, he penalised the Brighton player when I believe it should have been the other way, for Crystal Palace.
“I think because of the scenario and situation, of an element of doubt, I would be reluctant to sanction [with a card] in that situation, and just award a free kick.
“I think where I’m coming from is there is that risk of handing out yellow cards for every foul challenge. What you’ve got to determine is is that challenge careless or was it reckless?
“If we think that Crystal Palace player’s challenge was reckless, give a card. But I think because of the way both players have come together, I think there’s a benefit of doubt in that scenario. But he’s given the free kick the wrong way.”
Crystal Palace will continue their push for a European place when they travel to Man City on Saturday (12 April), with Brighton due to host Leicester on the same day as they too look to secure European football for next season.