Crystal Palace Football Club News

• Nickname:The Eagles
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Dougie Freedman

• Ground:Selhurst Park
• Capacity:26,309

Hackett issues Palace apology

16 Aug 2009 - 16:08:47

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Keith Hackett, the general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Board, has apologised to Crystal Palace over their disallowed goal in the 1-0 loss at Bristol City.

Referee Rob Shoebridge and his assistants failed to give a goal in the first half at Ashton Gate after Freddie Sears broke through and his shot hit the stanchion at the back of the net before bouncing out.

That left Eagles boss Neil Warnock in a fury after the game and left Hackett to say sorry.

He told Sky Sports News: "You would like to think the match officials, the three of them, would have spotted the ball had crossed the line.

"You would first have hoped they have spotted that particular incident. Under law, the fourth official is not allowed to assist in the process had he seen it.

"It is disappointing. I have spoken to Neil Warnock and apologised to him on behalf of the match officials and, of course, the PGMOB, and I make a public apology to the players and also the spectators of Palace."

However, Warnock added: "Nothing has changed. I feel really hurt and almost cheated out of a result. I felt sorry for the lads after all the work and preparation they put in.

"The body language of the Bristol City players and the fans should have told the referee it was a goal. If it had been at the other end of the pitch, there would have been a riot."