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Adam Davy/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Unimpressed

Damien Delaney hits out at 'unbelievably harsh' penalty decision in social media post

The Irish centre-back disputes Andre Marriner’s game-changing decision.

DAMIEN DELANEY TOOK to Instagram to register his disgust at the last-gasp penalty that was awarded against him in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Selhurst Park.

The Crystal Palace centre-back was adjudged to have fouled Christian Benteke as the striker took the ball around him in the dying moments.

Referee Andre Marriner consulted with his linesman before pointing to the spot.

Benteke stepped up and converted with ease to give the Merseysiders a crucial win and condemn struggling Palace to an eighth loss from their last ten top-flight games.

Delaney felt so aggrieved that he took to social media to outline his feelings on the incident.

“I can honestly say I didn’t make contact with Benteke today and IF there was slight contact, I didn’t impede him and certainly didn’t feel there was enough to award a penalty in the 96th min.

If a penalty is awarded that late, it has to be unequivocal. I waited over an hour to speak with the officials and, in fairness to Andre Marriner, he said he didn’t think it was a penalty but he trusted his linesman that much, he awarded it.

Crystal Palace v Liverpool - Barclays Premier League - Selhurst Park Adam Davy / PA Wire/Press Association Images Adam Davy / PA Wire/Press Association Images / PA Wire/Press Association Images

With the way the game was ref’d and the physicality of both teams, it was unbelievably harsh. With how Wilfred (sic) and Yannick were man-handled by Liverpool players over the course of the game – which I’ve no problem with – it was a really tough decision to take so late. All I can do is swallow it and hope to put this right.”

Inevitably, the penalty stoked anger and understanding in equal amounts.

Palace boss Alan Pardew fumed afterwards that Benteke was ‘looking for it’ and ‘made a meal of it’.

His counterpart, Jurgen Klopp, was adamant Marriner had made the right call.

“It was a penalty. It’s an unlucky situation for the defender but his knee hit the foot. That’s how it is. It’s a clear penalty because Christian would have been in a very clear position to shoot.”

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