‘Over the top’ – PGMOL insider slams bizarre Jean-Philippe Mateta moment against Aston Villa

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Phillippe Mateta has been warned about his goal celebration by a PGMOL insider.

Oliver Glasner’s side travelled to Villa Park after securing Europa Conference League qualification with a 1-0 aggregate win over Norwegian side Fredrikstad in midweek.

Mateta opened the scoring for Crystal Palace against Aston Villa from the penalty spot and celebrated with his traditional action of kicking the corner flag.

The 28-year-old has been renowned for the act since he arrived in the Premier League, and Mateta looked dumfounded when he received a yellow card when he went to restart the game.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner with his arms crossed at Selhurst Park
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media

Jean-Phillippe Mateta shocked at referee decision

Marc Guehi, linked with a move to Liverpool, played a precise through pass into midfielder Daichi Kamada who had broken free of the Villa defence.

Kamada looked to round goalkeeper Marco Bizot, standing in for Emi Martinez who is linked with a move away from Villa, but the Japanese international was brought down by the goalkeeper.

The referee pointed to the spot and Mateta stepped up to the spot kick.

After sending Bizot the wrong way and striking into the bottom corner of the goal, Mateta raced away and served his traditional corner celebration, but was booked for doing so, and did not seem to understand why that decision was reached.

PGMOL insider explains reason for Jean-Phillippe Mateta booking

Jean-Phillipe Mateta playing for Crystal Palace
Credit: Imago

This article contains exclusive comment from former professional referee Keith Hackett.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former referee Keith Hackett believed the decision to book Mateta was the correct decision.

“The goal celebration is frankly a bit over the top and the referee will have judged that this action has delayed the restart,” Hackett said. Hence the sanction of a yellow card.”