Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson feels vindicated after Everton striker Oumar Niasse was handed a two match ban for diving during Everton’s Premier League clash against Palace last weekend during the game which eventually resulted in a 2-2 draw.
Niasse dived following pressure from Eagles defender Scott Dann and won a penalty for his side which was successfully converted by Leighton Baines.
Baines conversion brought the score to 1-1 after the Eagles had opened the scoring early on. Niasse himself went on to score the second equalizer for the Toffees to rub salt in the wounds of Palace.
“We thought it wasn’t a penalty because he had dived and I suppose I’m grateful to have been shown that my judgement isn’t as bad as all that when it comes to these matters,” said Hodgson.
“I respect the decision (The FA) have made but it doesn’t help us a great deal because it would have been nicer if the penalty hadn’t been given.
“But it was given, we lost points as a result of it and the FA have seen fit to punish him because obviously they don’t want it to happen to other teams.
“My only satisfaction is that The FA and the people who make those decisions have sided with me rather than the player.”
