EPL: Palace Appeal Mateta Red Card as Striker Faces Three-Game Ban

Crystal Palace have appealed Jean-Philippe Mateta’s red card following their Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, with the striker facing a potential three-match suspension.

The France international was sent off by referee Michael Oliver for a late challenge on Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven during Saturday’s encounter, which was still goalless after 13 minutes.

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Oliver initially showed Mateta a yellow card but upgraded it to a straight red following a review by the Video Assistant Referee.

Palace are challenging the decision, arguing that the contact was accidental. The club hope the dismissal will be overturned or the suspension reduced.

Mateta reportedly maintained that his attention was on the ball and that he did not see Van de Ven before making contact with the defender’s ankle.

If the suspension is upheld, the 29-year-old will miss Palace’s home Premier League fixture against Liverpool on November 8, the away meeting with Coventry City on November 21 and the home clash with Hull City on November 29.

He would, however, remain available for Palace’s Europa League fixtures against Hoffenheim on Thursday and Real Sociedad on November 26.

Mateta’s potential absence comes at a difficult time for Palace manager Pierre Sage, whose position could come under further scrutiny following the club’s disappointing start to the campaign.

The Eagles are 18th in the Premier League table, with seven points from nine matches.

Palace have also lost their last three league games, scoring no goals and conceding nine in the process.

The defeat to Tottenham and Mateta’s dismissal represent further setbacks for Sage as he seeks to improve the club’s league position.