Disputed award angers Palace boss

Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock slammed referee Kevin Friend and his assistant Trevor Massey for potentially costing his side a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.

By The Newsroom

Published 15th Feb 2010, 08:27 BST

Updated 15th Feb 2010, 08:27 BST

The cash-strapped Eagles led 2-1 with three minutes to go thanks to a stunning free-kick from Darren Ambrose, but the officials incorrectly awarded a corner after the ball had hit Nathan Delfouneso, which allowed Stiliyan Petrov to head home an equaliser for Martin O'Neill's side.

Former Sheffield United manager Warnock said: "I am absolutely devastated. We played a Premier League team and worked our socks off but their second goal was a disgrace. We have a Premier League referee and we got Mr Massey laughing his head off all afternoon with the flag."

He added: "It's a disgrace, he should be banned for weeks should Mr Massey. All he can do is smile."

Palace will face either Reading or West Brom in the last eight if they come through a replay at Villa Park.