Crystal Palace has lodged an appeal against the red card shown to forward Jean-Philippe Mateta during their recent 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The French international received a straight red card in the 13th minute for a tackle on Spurs defender Micky van de Ven.
Referee Michael Oliver initially issued a yellow card but was prompted by VAR official Jarred Gillett to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. Gillett advised that the tackle met the criteria for serious foul play, citing "full, forceful contact with the studs on his opponent's achilles." Oliver subsequently upgraded the card to red, announcing his decision over the stadium's public address system.
Mateta is currently facing a potential three-match suspension. The outcome of the appeal will determine whether this ban is upheld, reduced, or overturned. A panel of former referee Dermot Gallagher, Tim Sherwood, and Jay Boothroyd, who reviewed the incident on Sky Sports' ref watch, reportedly agreed that a red card was the appropriate call.
The potential absence of Mateta presents a significant challenge for Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage, particularly with striker Eddie Nketiah being the team's only other available forward. Jorgen Strand Larsen is currently sidelined with an ankle injury.
Crystal Palace, who are in the relegation zone, will host Liverpool on Sunday. This fixture follows a run of one win in their last six Premier League matches, and the club's management will be hoping for a positive outcome from the appeal ahead of the international break.