Abby Brammell

By Laura Williamson

Head in hands: Furious Palace manager Neil Warnock

Neil Warnock has called for linesman Trevor Massey to be banned after the official's decision to award Aston Villa a corner cost Crystal Palace a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Massey appeared to wrongly indicate a corner which led to Stiliyan Petrov scoring Villa's equaliser three minutes from time in the 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park. Replays showed the ball went behind off Villa substitute Nathan Delfouneso after bouncing off the head of Palace keeper Julian Speroni.

Warnock described Massey's decision as 'disgraceful' and says he hopes the linesman is suspended from the game for a 'long time'.

The Palace boss said: 'I am absolutely devastated. Their second goal was a disgrace. We have a Premier League referee (Kevin Friend) and we got Mr Massey laughing his head off all afternoon with the flag. He should be banned for weeks should Mr Massey. All he can do is smile.

'Mr Massey says if he's got it wrong he will be suspended for a couple of games. I said to him, "When you're sat on your settee will you think about us?" 'A referee and a linesman should see from that position that it is a goal kick and not a corner. They've both waited, the ref's asked him (Massey) and the thing is he didn't see it really. He gave it to Aston Villa and they score a goal.

'The referee was let down by somebody who had a very poor game and I don't feel any sympathy if he is suspended. Personally I hope it is a long time.

'Does he realise how hard it is at a club who can't even afford this? We came up against a top side and we're giving everything for the cause and we are let down by incompetence.'

Villa boss Martin O'Neill said: 'I'm never sure what Neil's upset about. I could argue back and forth but I didn't think either side deserved to lose the game.'


Equaliser! Downing and Milner celebrate with goalscorer Stiliyan Petrov


Palace will now face a replay at Villa Park on Wednesday week, with the winners away to either Reading or West Bromwich in the last eight.

The draw handed holders and favourites Chelsea a home quarter-final tie against either Manchester City or Stoke, who meet in a fifth-round replay at the Britannia Stadium, also on Wednesday week.

However, striker Carlos Tevez will miss City's Premier League trip to Stoke tomorrow night after returning to Argentina on compassionate leave. City boss Roberto Mancini has allowed Tevez to be with his pregnant wife Vanesa, who is suffering complications.

Portsmouth will face Birmingham at Fratton Park, while Fulham, who thrashed Notts County 4-0 yesterday, have been drawn at home against either Bolton or Tottenham, who drew 1-1 at the Reebok.


source: dailymail