Ex-Premier League referee: Cheick Doucoure should get extended ban as Crystal Palace controversy analysed
Keith Hackett has claimed Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure should have received a straight red card for his challenge on Aston Villa’s Calum Chambers.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted match official Craig Pawson gave the 23-year-old a second yellow card to protect against a future appeal.
As seen in footage posted to the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube account (4 March), Doucoure was shown a second caution by Pawson after catching Calum Chambers high on the leg with a late challenge.
VAR checked the incident but the midfielder’s challenge was not deemed worthy of a straight red card.
Doucoure has now received 10 yellow cards this season – but will serve just a one-match suspension for his dismissal, rather than miss two games for an accumulation of cautions.
Crystal Palace are yet to record a win in 2023 and sit five points clear of the relegation zone.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think it’s a straight red.
“But a straight red card can be appealed. Two yellows can’t be appealed or reviewed by the VAR.
“The referee has decided to ensure that no one can have any complaints about the decision.
“The player knows exactly what he’s done. It’s a really late challenge with plenty of force behind it.
“He should have been sent off.”
Doucoure signed for Crystal Palace last summer and has become a key part of Patrick Vieira’s side.
The Mali international has made 24 appearances as a regular starter across all competitions this term.
In other news, Kieran Maguire claims Crystal Palace will land “huge benefits” from FA rule change.