Crystal Crystal Palace boss fumes at referee for not giving Nigerian debutant penalty

Crystal Palace were left frustrated after a goalless draw against Sunderland, with manager Oliver Glasner furious that debutant Christantus Uche was denied a late penalty. 

The incident overshadowed what could have been a dream start for the Nigerian forward on his Premier League debut.

Deadline-day signing Christantus Uche was introduced in the 84th minute, replacing Yéremy Pino, and wasted no time making his presence felt. 

The Nigeria international, who had only trained twice with his new teammates following World Cup qualifying duty in South Africa, came close to scoring when Robin Roefs denied him at the back post.

His big moment arrived moments later when he went down under a challenge in the box, sparking loud appeals from Palace players and fans.

Referee Thomas Bramall waved play on after consulting VAR, a decision that left Uche visibly frustrated and Selhurst Park stunned.

Palace boss Glasner didn’t hide his anger in his post-match interview. “The VAR must have told the referee that the Sunderland player didn’t touch him, but for me, when I see the pictures, it looks like he touches him,” he told the BBC, insisting that his debutant was denied a clear penalty. 

The Austrian coach had hoped Uche’s introduction would provide the late spark to grab all three points, but instead, his side were forced to settle for their third draw in four matches.

Despite the controversy, Crystal Palace remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season, sitting alongside Liverpool and Chelsea as the only clubs yet to lose.

With Uche now available and gaining sharpness, Glasner will be hoping the Nigerian’s energy and hunger can soon translate into goals rather than talking points.