WILFRIED ZAHA is sweating on an FA rap after appearing to poke Southampton star James Ward-Prowse in the eye.
Zaha pushed his hand into the face of the England midfielder as the Palace ace lost his cool at half-time during Saints’ 2-0 win at Selhurst Park.
Palace raider Wilfried Zaha had an ongoing battle with Southampton star James Ward-ProwseCredit: PA:Press Association
Ref Andre Marriner missed the initial incident and VAR reviewed replays but found inconclusive evidence contact was made with Ward-Prowse’s eye.
But FA regulations allow disciplinary bosses to still take retrospective action – and now Zaha, 27, is facing an anxious wait to see if the call comes from Wembley.
The winger lost his rag as the whistle went for half-time, first clashing with Ward-Prowse and then locking horns with defender Jannick Vestergaard.
Some players had to be held back on the pitch as stewards went down the tunnel trying to keep Zaha from further confrontation on the way to the dressing room.
Palace boss Roy Hodgson said: “I just heard about it now. I didn’t see it.
“I heard VAR looked and decided there was nothing to do. That’s good enough for me.”
MARK HALSEY’S VIEW
Lampard later said he was yet to find out the extent of the damage to Abraham but believes his side can cope without the striker – although he did admit that he wants to sign some players before the window closes.
He said: “He has had ice on his ankle, but I haven’t spoken to him yet so I don’t know.
“Yes, yes; and we have the players there to do that.
“I hope he’s not (out for several weeks), but then if he is then yes, we do have the players.”
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl added: “I didn’t see what happened, I only saw that they were together on the pitch.”
Social media seemed amazed Zaha was let off for the incident.
One incredulous fan tweeted: “JWP poked in the eye from a furious Zaha and VAR don’t think it’s violent conduct.”
And another argued: “Raise your hands, surely red card??”
Some supporters even argued the incident could cost the Ivory Coast attacker a big-money transfer.
With Chelsea among the clubs to have shown interest, one fan posted: “Probably prevents him from a big move, big clubs don’t want that petulance.”
And when one Eagles follower retorted that Zaha would “walk in” to most teams, he was met by a sharp retort.
George Miller tweeted: “Knew it wouldn’t take long for a palace fan to bite over a player who doesn’t want to play for their club.”
And if the Saints came out for the second half feeling aggrieved, they were soon feeling vindicated – as Stuart Armstrong doubled their lead on 48 minutes.
Zaha filmed winding down car window and shouting foul mouthed comeback at goading Chelsea fan after Crystal Palace loss
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
