Ex-refs chief fumes at Adam Wharton red card after re-analysing Crystal Palace footage

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett says Wharton's red card against Hoffenheim was unjustified; replays showed minimal contact on the header challenge.

Adam Wharton was sent off in the 77th minute of Crystal Palace's 1-1 Europa League draw against Hoffenheim on Thursday for a second yellow card after jumping for a header with Wouter Burger. Referee Horatiu Fesnic deemed the 22-year-old to have caught the Dutchman with his arm in an aggressive manner, but replays showed barely any contact was made.

Former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee Keith Hackett has told Football Insider exclusively that Wharton should not have been sent off. "The opponent has made a meal of this and the referee, close by and with a good view, produces the second yellow followed by a red. It looks harsh to me," Hackett said. He noted that while European referees take a less tolerant approach, Wharton made a genuine attempt to win the ball with his head.

Despite being a man down, Palace clawed back a point through Daichi Kamada's added-time equaliser. The decision could prove costly for Palace's Europa League campaign, as they currently sit in the lower half of the play-off qualification spots with only a 16.64 per cent chance of making the top eight.