CRYSTAL PALACE APPEAL MATEFA RED CARD FROM TOTTENHAM DEFEAT

Crystal Palace are appealing against Jean-Philippe Mateta's red card shown during the defeat by Tottenham Hotspur. Referee Michael Oliver initially gave the striker a yellow card for a challenge on Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, with the score still 0-0 after 13 minutes, before upgrading it to a red card following a VAR review. Mateta caught Van de Ven on top of the ankle, an incident Crystal Palace regard as accidental. The France international is understood to believe his focus was on the ball and that he did not see Van de Ven in the challenge. He now faces a three-match suspension, which Crystal Palace hope will be overturned or reduced through the appeal.

Crystal Palace went on to lose the match 10 men down after Mateta's dismissal. The result has added pressure on manager Pierre Sage following what has been described as a disappointing start to his time in charge of the club. Mateta, aged 29 according to one account, remains a key forward for Crystal Palace and his availability for upcoming fixtures depends on the outcome of the disciplinary appeal. The Premier League's disciplinary process allows clubs to challenge straight red card decisions, with panels able to uphold, reduce or rescind the resulting suspension.

Crystal Palace are due to face Liverpool this weekend in a fixture reported to carry additional significance for Sage's position at the club. The outcome of the appeal against Mateta's red card is expected before that match, determining whether the striker is available for selection. Crystal Palace have not issued a public statement beyond confirming the appeal has been lodged. The Premier League has not indicated a timeframe for its decision.