‘Rightly sanctioned’ – Ex FIFA ref praises officials for controversial moment in Crystal Palace clash
Fredrikstad defender Maxwell Woledzi was rightly shown a yellow card as Crystal Palace drew 0-0 with the Norwegian side to qualify for the Conference League.
Despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Andreas Hagen’s side on Thursday, 28 August, the Eagles have reached the league stage of the European competition thanks to their 1-0 win over Fredrikstad in the first leg.
The South Londoners had opportunities to win the second leg in Norway, but Chris Richards headed an early chance over the bar.
However, Crystal Palace’s draw on Thursday, 28 August, was enough to see them through to a European competition for the first time in their history.
Maxwell Woledzi booked as Crystal Palace draw at Fredrikstad
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
While Palace drew 0-0 with Fredrikstad on 28 August, when Woledzi received a yellow card from referee Kristo Tohver in the 87th minute for fouling Ismaila Sarr.
The hosts looked to put Oliver Glasner’s men under pressure in search of a late equaliser, and the Eagles went up the other end of the pitch on the counterattack.
Daichi Kamada looked to play the ball through to Sarr, but the winger was taken out by Woledzi as he tried to receive the pass.
However, the incident was not deemed worthy of a red card, as Woledzi was not the last man back for Fredrikstad.
Keith Hackett praises officials for Maxwell Woledzi yellow card
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett said: “It was a foul challenge and rightly sanctioned with a yellow card.
“There was a covering defender that ruled out the denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. The referee determined that the ball, before the foul contact, was going away from goal.
“That aspect is certainly subjective.”
Crystal Palace travel to Aston Villa for their next Premier League game on Sunday, 31 August.