Premier League matchweek 26: 5 most controversial decisions

Dubious penalty gifts Crystal Palace a point

With Newcastle leading 1-0  and Palace failing to create any significant chances, the visitors were looking to ride out the second half and come away with all three points. Alas, Andre Mariner ‘s assistant signaled for an infraction in the penalty box and the hosts had a chance to level the game.

Everyone seemed surprised at the decision, including Christian Benteke, the Crystal Palace player who was supposedly fouled in the box. Ciaran Clark, the offending party, had a hold of Benteke’s jersey but the Palace forward also had hold of Clark’s jersey. The play appeared to be one of those innocuous duels for position in the box that happens countless times during a game.

Had Benteke been innocent of any jersey holding, the rationale for a penalty would have been clear. However, since both players appear to be jostling and Clark actually lets go of Benteke as the Belgian rises up for the header, the decision to signal for an infraction was puzzling, to say the least.