Pierre Sage press conference after Tottenham 0-2 Crystal Palace
Pierre Sage press conference after Tottenham 0-2 Crystal Palace
Mateta was sent off in the 13th minute, following a VAR review, for a studs-up challenge on Micky van de Ven as the pair contested for a loose ball at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Referee Michael Oliver originally awarded Mateta a yellow card but upgraded his decision after being sent to the monitor to have a second look at the challenge.
With Palace down to 10 men, Spurs took control of the game and sealed a comfortable victory after goals in either half from Archie Gray and Jan Paul van Hecke.
Mateta landed on top of Van de Ven’s right ankle with his studs up as he chased a pass into space, and Oliver deemed the 29-year-old to have used “full forceful contact” as he explained his decision inside the stadium.
Palace’s view, though, is that Mateta’s challenge was accidental, and they argue that the French international had his eyes on the ball and did not see Van de Ven coming.
Mateta currently faces a three-match suspension, but Palace hope the decision is either overturned or his ban reduced.
Pierre Sage, who is under increasing pressure to turn things around at Palace, has only recently welcomed Mateta back into the fold after a hamstring injury and will desperately want his star striker back available.
If Mateta’s ban is upheld, he would miss this weekend’s home game against Liverpool, as well as crunch fixtures against newly promoted teams Coventry and Hull.
He will, however, be available for selection when Palace host Hoffenheim and Real Sociedad in the Europa League.