Michael Oliver inadvertently blocked Carlos Baleba as Crystal Palace broke forward and won a corner from which they scored.
Fabian Hurzeler felt a key decision went against his side (Mike Egerton/PA)
Fabian Hurzeler felt a key decision went against his side (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)
Fabian Hurzeler was left fuming by an “unbelievable” decision by referee Michael Oliver which he felt cost Brighton in their 3-1 defeat by bitter rivals Crystal Palace.
The Seagulls’ unbeaten home record was ended by the team they dislike the most, thanks largely to Ismaila Sarr’s magnificent double.
But it was a controversial moment in the lead-up to Trevoh Chalobah’s opening goal that left Hurzeler livid.
The German revealed Oliver admitted he made a mistake after inadvertently blocking Carlos Baleba as Palace broke forward through Eberechi Eze.
The Eagles went on to win a corner, and when Brighton failed to get a head on to Will Hughes’ delivery at the near post, Chalobah reacted quickest to crash the ball into the roof of the net.
Hurzeler felt Oliver should have stopped the match, even though Premier League rules state that referees only have to stop play if the ball hits them.
“When the ref says after the game it’s his mistake then I don’t understand why he doesn’t stop the game,” said the Brighton boss.
“That’s a decision that’s unbelievable. I asked him. He said ‘it’s my mistake’.
“I think we are good in the high press, we would win the ball if he wouldn’t stand there, so it had an impact on the game.
“Not to interrupt the game is something I really don’t understand and there is no explanation for that.”
But there was no doubting Palace’s second goal, just five minutes later, after Tyrick Mitchell shrugged off Tariq Lamptey as both challenged for a high ball down the left.
Mitchell whipped his cross over Seagulls goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to present Sarr with a free header at the far post.
Palace keeper Dean Henderson, who escaped punishment for racing out of his area and challenging Yankuba Minteh with a high boot in the opening seconds, made fine saves from Lewis Dunk and Julio Enciso as Brighton threatened to pull one back.
But Sarr settled the M23 grudge match when he held off Dunk before slotting past Verbruggen.
“We controlled the game, but we conceded a goal from a set piece too easily, then we lost the structure,” added Hurzeler.
“We weren’t patient enough and conceded the second goal and weren’t able to come back.
“In the end we deserved to lose and we have to analyse it and try to improve.
“There are some days in football that are just bad. My players tried everything in the second half but were not able to score. It’s important now to see it without any emotions and to be rational.”
A freak late own goal from Palace captain Marc Guehi could not take the shine off Palace’s first win over their sworn south-coast enemies in seven attempts.
“It was important for us as a team.” said boss Oliver Glasner. “A very positive performance and a big win because we know how important it is for our fans.
“It was a chance to give them a little bit back, a nice Christmas gift. It’s a good feeling. All in all it was a very good performance from the whole team.”