Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise has sparked a major debate after publicly criticizing the decision that awarded Liverpool a controversial late penalty in their thrilling 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park. The dramatic clash, which saw the Premier League intervene with a rare statement clarifying the incident, has left players, coaches, and fans talking — and Olise is making sure his voice is heard.
The controversy came in the 87th minute when Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez went down under minimal contact from Palace defender Joachim Andersen. Referee Simon Hooper immediately pointed to the spot, a decision that stunned the home crowd. VAR reviewed the incident but chose not to overturn the call, and Mohamed Salah coolly slotted home the penalty to rescue a point for Jürgen Klopp’s side.
Olise, who was one of Palace’s standout performers on the night, did not hold back in his post-match comments. “This is the Premier League, the best league in the world, and decisions like this shouldn’t be happening,” he told reporters. “It feels like we were robbed. Andersen barely touched him — if that’s a penalty, then we might as well stop tackling altogether. Justice needs to be done.”
The winger’s remarks quickly went viral on social media, with many Crystal Palace supporters echoing his frustrations. Videos and slow-motion replays of the incident circulated widely, with fans and pundits arguing that Núñez initiated the contact. The pressure grew so intense that the Premier League released a statement the following morning confirming that the decision had been “incorrect” and that the match officials involved would not be appointed for the next round of fixtures.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner also weighed in, carefully choosing his words but clearly siding with his player. “We played with intensity, discipline, and heart,” Glasner said. “It is very disappointing when a single decision changes the outcome of the match. I welcome the Premier League’s acknowledgment, but that does not give us back the extra two points we deserved.”
For Liverpool, the result extended their unbeaten run but masked what was otherwise a frustrating evening. Klopp admitted his side “got away with one,” suggesting that while the penalty was soft, the Reds had been on the wrong side of VAR calls earlier this season.
The incident has reignited a wider conversation about the use of VAR and referee accountability in English football. While the Premier League’s swift intervention was praised by some as a sign of progress, critics argue that retrospective admissions of error do little to change outcomes in a league where every point is crucial.
Olise’s outburst is likely to attract scrutiny from the Football Association, which could decide to fine or warn the player for his remarks about officiating. But for Crystal Palace fans, his comments struck a chord — voicing the sense of injustice that many felt as they left Selhurst Park.
Whether the Premier League’s apology brings “justice” is up for debate, but one thing is clear: this incident will be remembered as another flashpoint in the ongoing VAR controversy dominating the Premier League season
Be the first to comment