Crystal Palace held a 1-0 lead at Manchester United, but a key referee decision shifted the match. Manager Oliver Glasner has criticized the official for failing to make the correct call.
Crystal Palace Manager Blames Man United Loss on Referee
Max Lacroix was both hero and villain for Crystal Palace in their Premier League match at Manchester United on Sunday, March 1. The Frenchman scored the opening goal from a corner early in the game but was sent off in the second half.
The defender placed his hands on Matheus Cunha’s shoulder as the United attacker moved past the Palace defense while chasing a through ball into the box. Cunha was tugged outside the area but stayed on his feet before going down inside the box.
The referee awarded a penalty to United and sent off Lacroix seconds before Bruno Fernandes converted from the spot. Fernandes later assisted the winner as Benjamin Sesko scored against 10-man Palace to seal a 2-1 victory.
Glasner spoke to the media after the loss, criticizing referee Chris Kavanagh for making the wrong decision. He argued that it was not a penalty for United, though he accepted the red card.
“The red card changed the game completely,” he said. “I think it’s a very hard decision. The foul starts outside the box. Matheus Cunha is very smart to wait until he is inside the box and fall down. We spoke to the fourth official, they had to check was it offside, where does the foul start and is it a red card.
“There are a few different situations to judge. But it still feels it’s the wrong decision. It’s not a penalty, maybe a red card for a foul outside the box, but the foul starts outside the box. It’s maybe a little bit the Old Trafford bounce.”
🗣️ Post match comments from the boss Oliver Glasner and defender Chris Richards. #CPFC | #PremierLeague | #SouthLondon pic.twitter.com/jVNk6qnPRK
— The Eagles Beak 🏆🏆 (@TheEaglesBeak) March 2, 2026
Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards also commented on the incident, saying Cunha played “smart” to earn the decision. He described the sending off as the turning point, noting that Cunha delayed going down because he knew there was a chance of winning a penalty.
Richards added that despite the disappointment, Palace’s overall performance away from home was strong. He acknowledged the loss was difficult to accept but emphasized that the referee’s decision was the defining moment.
