Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler slams ‘unbelievable’ Michael Oliver decision in Crystal Palace defeat
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Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler could not believe a decision made by referee Michael Oliver in a 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday, although he also admitted his team deserved to lose. Trevoh Chalobah opened the scoring for the Eagles before a brace from Ismaila Sarr secured the victory and only a late own goal from Marc Guehi gave the home fans something to cheer.
![[FBL-ENG-PR-BRIGHTON-CRYSTAL PALACE]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2189456110.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
It was the build-up to Chalobah’s goal that bothered Hurzeler after the game as the referee got in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba’s way as he went for the ball in midfield. That unintentional block saw Eberechi get hold of the ball and put Palace on the attack, leading to a corner, which eventually ended in Chalobah’s goal.
![[Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2189478423.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Hurzeler says that Oliver admitted his mistake in positioning after the game, but was left baffled that the referee did not stop the game when he got in the way. ‘When the referee says after the game it’s his mistake, I don’t understand why he doesn’t stop the game,’ said Hurzeler. ‘So, that’s an unbelievable decision, that something like that happens here. I asked him and he said it’s my mistake.
‘In the end you can say that one corner happened and then the second corner. I think we wouldn’t have pressure, we would win the ball if he didn’t stand there, so it had an impact on the game. To interrupt the game I really don’t understand and there is not explanation for that.’.
