Premier League club make feelings clear as PGMOL explain ‘shocking’ red card decision

Crystal Palace star Chris Richards was shown a red card during Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Bournemouth, leaving fans furious at referee Samuel Barrott’s supposed lack of consistency

The PGMOL have clarified why Chris Richards was controversially sent off during Saturday’s Premier League action – after his club, Crystal Palace, made their feelings clear. Palace defender Richards was shown a second yellow card when he fouled Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert in the first half of the teams’ 0-0 draw.

The United States international was given his marching orders by referee Samuel Barrott, who came under fire after deciding not to send Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott off in similar circumstances 10 minutes prior. Scott, who was already on a yellow card, wasn’t booked again despite fouling Ismaila Sarr.

Soon after, Richards got into a tangle with Kluivert and the Dutch forward went to ground. Despite replays showing that the contact was minimal, Barrott had no hesitation in showing Richards a second yellow card.

Fans at Selhurst Park were furious with the inconsistency and minutes into the second half, the PMGOL confirmed, as per Final Score, that Richards’ sending off was due to an accumulation of fouls. By then, Palace had posted on X, formerly Twitter: “[Will] Hughes is brought down outside the box by [Tyler] Adams who is on a yellow card.”

The post was seemingly a reference to the fact that Adams had become the second Bournemouth player to avoid being sent off while already on a booking, with Adams having been subbed off at half-time. Fans on social media also made their feelings clear, with one saying: “Embarrassing levels of inconsistency from the referee.”

READ MORE: BREAKING: Premier League issues statement on ‘silly’ red card after Brentford star left flooredREAD MORE: Owner of Premier League club sits with fans at away match due to hatred of rival boss

A second wrote: “Shocking choice from an inconsistent ref who didn’t book a similar situation minutes earlier.” A third couldn’t believe that either foul resulted in a booking. “Neither of the bookings for Chris Richards are anywhere near yellow cards,” they posted.

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean told Sky Sports that Barrott ‘could’ve managed the situation better’ as he’d done with Scott 10 minutes earlier. Ex-Palace striker Glenn Murray said on Final Score: “When you look at it Justin Kluivert is five yards inside his own half, the pull is not sustained, Maxence Lacroix is right next to it as well and there is no real advantage.

“That has never been a yellow card, let alone to get to the standard of sending someone off.

Should Chris Richards have been sent off? Have your say in the comments section.

Former Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock also said: “More than anything that was a tangling of arms. Every foul is not a yellow card. Football has got so caught up with if a player is on a yellow and makes another then get him off the pitch. That should not be the way the games are refereed.”

Ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson added: “The referee couldn’t wait to get his card out. It was a silly challenge from Chris Richards and it is in an area of the field where he doesn’t need to make it.

“Justin Kluivert makes the most out of it, he knows it is Richards behind him. Of course if he is on a yellow he runs the risk of a second one but if that is the first five to ten minutes of the game then it’s not even a yellow.”

Bournemouth dominated the affair once Palace were reduced to 10 men but the hosts defended well to earn a draw.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.