Crystal Palace appeal Jean-Philippe Mateta's red card in Tottenham defeat
Crystal Palace are contesting the straight red card shown to Jean-Philippe Mateta for a late challenge on Micky van de Ven in Saturday's loss to Tottenham, with the striker facing a three-match ban.
Crystal Palace have launched an appeal against the straight red card shown to Jean-Philippe Mateta in Saturday's defeat by Tottenham. Referee Michael Oliver initially booked the striker for a late challenge on Micky van de Ven after 13 minutes, with the score still 0-0, but upgraded the punishment to a red following a VAR review.
Palace's case rests on the argument that the impact was accidental. It is understood the 29-year-old France international believes he had his eyes on the ball and did not see Van de Ven, though the challenge caught the Spurs defender on top of the ankle.
A three-match suspension looms for Mateta, and Palace are hoping the decision is either overturned entirely or the ban reduced. The outcome will shape the manager's attacking options at a delicate moment.
The timing adds weight to the appeal, with Palace due to face Liverpool this weekend in a fixture that could influence manager Pierre Sage's long-term future. Sage is already under scrutiny after a disappointing start to his reign, and losing his forward for the Liverpool game would deepen the pressure.
The incident also highlights the continued influence of VAR in turning an on-field yellow into a dismissal, and the appeal will test how the authorities weigh a player's intent against the point of contact.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
