‘No real interest’ – Roy Hodgson asked about Chelsea’s penalty decision in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 defeat

Roy Hodgson had no interest in discussing the penalty decision that saw Chelsea claim a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

The Eagles found themselves behind early on when Malo Gusto got forward well and found Mykhailo Mudryk to finish past Dean Henderson.

Palace equalised through Michael Olise just before half-time when he collected Jordan Ayew’s cross at the back post and fired beyond Djordje Petrovic.

Eberechi Eze fouled Noni Madueke in the box in the final five minutes of normal time. VAR took a look at the challenge and referee Michael Salisbury pointed to the spot for the ex-Palace youngster Madueke to convert past Dean Henderson.

The Eagles are now winless in their last eight Premier League games and have just won one of their last 12.

When asked about the penalty decisions, Hodgson said: “I’m tempted to say: ‘What’s the point?’

“We have to accept there are two referees every game. Any time something happens on the field of play, the referee makes the decision and you have to wait several minutes in case somebody in the studio whispers in his ear that he has seen something different.

“It happens. The fact is that we’re taking away or trashing the decisions on the filed close to it and handing it over to someone with a TV screen.

“It wasn’t my idea of what an obvious penalty looks like, but that’s the same with so many penalties I see given. I suppose I’m conditioned, having seen penalties given and not given in so many years.

“I have no real interest in discussing referees and VAR. You’ll have to allow me that.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD