Crystal Palace have been unsuccessful in their appeal against Jean-Philippe Mateta’s red card in the 2-0 defeat at Tottenham, meaning the striker will serve a three-match suspension.
Mateta was dismissed in the 13th minute after a challenge on Spurs captain Micky van de Ven. Referee Michael Oliver initially showed him a yellow card, but upgraded the punishment to a straight red following a VAR review after contact was made with the defender’s ankle.
Palace argued that the contact was accidental and appealed the decision ahead of Liverpool’s visit to Selhurst Park. An independent regulatory commission has rejected both the wrongful-dismissal claim and the argument that the punishment was excessive.
The 29-year-old will therefore miss the Liverpool fixture and Palace’s next two Premier League matches against Coventry and Hull, which follow the November international break. His suspension does not cover European competition, leaving him available for the Europa League meetings with Hoffenheim and Real Sociedad.
Mateta has made five appearances in all competitions this season, scoring once, after also spending time out with a hamstring injury. His latest domestic absence is another setback for manager Pierre Sage, whose position is under significant scrutiny after Palace won only two of their opening nine league games and collected seven points.
Palace are currently in the relegation zone, with Hoffenheim due at Selhurst Park before Liverpool’s visit. The Eagles will also be looking to improve on 15th place in the Europa League league-phase table when they face the German side.
