‘It was a fair challenge’: Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson furious with late Luka Milivojevic red card after questioning referee Martin Atkinson in aftermath of defeat at Wolves
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson asked Martin Atkinson why he had sent Luka Milivojevic off and claimed that his captain’s challenge had not been a foul after watching his side lose at Wolves.
Referee Atkinson consulted a pitchside monitor before showing the Palace skipper a red card for an 86th-minute tackle on Joao Moutinho, causing Hodgson to suggest that the dismissal had been the low point of the 2-0 defeat.
Frustrated Hodgson told BBC Sport: ‘My view is it’s not a sending off and I’ve told Martin Atkinson that.
Crystal Palace captain Luka Milivojevic was sent off as his side lost 2-0 to Wolves at Molineux
The midfielder was dismissed for serious foul play in the final minutes of the Friday night game
‘He thinks there was a reason to give a red card but I’ve seen it as well and I certainly don’t agree with that. It was a fair challenge and there was no intent to contact Joao Moutinho at all.
‘I’m very disappointed with that one. It’s the worst part of the evening in a way.’
Midfielder Moutinho received treatment on the pitch while Atkinson made his decision to give Milivojevic his marching orders at Molineux.
First-half goals by teenage debutant Rayan Ait-Nouri and Portuguese winger Daniel Podence gave the hosts the points.
Midfielder Joao Moutinho was on the receiving end of the challenge and required treatment
Milivojevic is expected to sit out three matches for earning his marching orders after a review
Atkinson took his time and Palace manager Roy Hodgson disagreed with the referee’s verdict
Hodgson said: ‘There would have been positives to take, but to lose a player for three games for a challenge I didn’t even consider a foul will be very hard to take.’
Eagles midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp agreed with his manager, telling Palace’s website: ‘Everyone has seen it back and feels that it is a harsh decision.
‘He got the whole ball but the referee has said something about the follow through. I don’t really know what else you want Luka to do in that situation.
‘He can’t tackle someone and then pull your leg out the way or make your leg disappear.’
Unhappy Hodgson (right) sought out Atkinson after the game to let the official know his views
