18 Aug 2009Crystal Palace denied Bristol City replay

Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

Crystal Palace will not be allowed to replay their match against Bristol City, despite the fact that they had a legitimate goal wrongly ruled out by referee Rob Shoebridge.

Neil Warnock's men slumped to a 1-0 defeat away at Ashton Gate on Saturday in a match which saw the officials rule that Freddie Sears' 30th minute shot did not cross the line before bouncing off the stanchion.

But while the Football League's chief executive has acknowledged that Palace have a right to feel aggrieved, he confirmed that the result will still stand.

"The referee's decision must be final," Andy Williamson said on the back of mounting calls for a replay.

"Even in a case such as this where there has been an error of judgement. To do otherwise would be contrary to the laws of the game."

As well as being suspended from duty for the next two match weekends, Shoebridge has taken it upon himself to personally apologise both to Warnock and the London side's fans, who travelled to Bristol to see their side lose in such a contentious manner.

Meanwhile, Palace are still on the lookout for a new striker after it was confirmed that Stern John will be out of action for at least six weeks after an operation on an injured elbow.

Written by Tom Jenkins

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