Dynamo Kyiv vs Crystal Palace ref watch: Three decisions Lothar D’hondt got wrong
Eddie Nketiah was on the scene to secure all three points for Crystal Palace in a 2-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv in the Europa Conference League.
It marked the Eagles’ first-ever victory in Europe, with Daniel Munoz opening the scoring in the first half through an audacious lofted header. It is becoming clear why Oliver Glasner is linked with a Palace exit.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is a target for multiple teams, and he had a couple of chances to put the game to bed for the Premier League side, but he was unable to slot those away before being hooked at half-time.
However, just because Palace sealed all three points in Poland, it did not mean that the game was without its controversial moments, some of which left the travelling fans very frustrated.
Taras Mykhavko unpunished for obvious foul on Jean-Philippe Mateta
Before being substituted for a suspected concussion, Taras Mykhavko deserved to be sanctioned after hauling Mateta to the floor while Palace were on a promising attack in the final third.
The Ukrainian defender was allowed to get up and run back into position, even though his teammates were far behind him when the offence took place. Yet, nothing from the referee.
Will Hughes picks up an unfair booking in Poland
Given that Mykhavko was allowed off scot-free, it was baffling to see Will Hughes pick up a caution straight away after his first foul of the game, even for a midfielder attracted to yellow cards.
The 30-year-old certainly went crunching into his challenge in the middle of the park, leaving his opposition in a heap on the floor, but he made the most of the tackle, it would be fair to say.
Given how lenient Lothar D’hondt was being with his cautions, it felt extremely unfair that the Crystal Palace went straight into the referee’s notebook on 38 minutes.
Lothar D’hondt allows Mykhavko to play on despite serious blow
It had quickly become clear that Mykhavko, who had previously clashed with Mateta, was likely concussed after landing heavily on the back of his head in the first half.
While the referee stopped play, allowing medicals to come on, the player came back onto the pitch before going down once again and needing to be substituted.
Of course, the medical staff have final say over whether a player can continue or not, but with a massive bruise on the face of Mykhavko, the referee should have stepped in and said something.