Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Fri 13 March 2026 15:45, UK

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Adam Wharton is unlikely to escape punishment from UEFA for his comments following Crystal Palace‘s draw against AEK Larnaca.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Palace star can expect to be charged after speaking openly about the referee’s performance.

Oliver Glasner’s side were held to a goalless draw at Selhurst Park on Thursday, 12 March, and it was Wharton who picked up the only yellow card of the game, courtesy of referee Igor Pajac.

Palace must face Larnaca in a Europa Conference League second leg next week, but there is already drama following the first 90 minutes after the midfielder’s comments about the game’s officials.

• Read more: The supercomputer has predicted whether Crystal Palace will advance in the Europa Conference League.

Adam Wharton could regret voicing his post-match frustrations

Questioning the referee’s inconsistent decisions, Wharton was clearly unhappy after the full-time whistle, voicing his frustrations during a post-match interview with TNT Sports.

His comments have now sparked concerns over a possible punishment for the England international, and Hackett appears to share those worries ahead of the second leg.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “UEFA take a dim view of comments regarding referees, who officiate their games. Adam Wharton can expect to be charged for his comments.

“I expect him to be hit in his pocket,” which would only rub salt into the wounds after Palace failed to score in the first leg against Larnaca in front of a packed-out home crowd.

Crystal Palace transfer race likely to heat up ahead of the summer

The Palace star is incredibly inexperienced, proven by his frustrated comments to the media. Nonetheless, clubs are likely to flock to Selhurst Park in an attempt to secure his signature.

Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man United are keeping a close eye on Wharton, but after the two teams clashed, the Red Devils’ former chief scout was not convinced in the slightest.

It is fair to say that the Eagles were at a huge disadvantage after Maxence Lacroix’s red card, but there is certainly a lot of room for improvement when it comes to the England international’s consistency.

Despite some of his lesser performances in the middle of the park, a queue out of the Selhurst Park doors is likely to emerge as soon as the summer transfer window swings open.