FA CUP THIRD ROUND TIE AT SELHURST PARK ENDS IN STALEMATE: CRYSTAL PALACE 0-0 EVERTON: DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN SENT OFF

Crystal Palace and Everton played to a goalless draw in the third round of the FA Cup at Selhurst Park. Following a VAR review in the second half, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was sent off for a sliding challenge, and Dwight McNeil was lost to injury. A replay is scheduled at Goodison Park as neither team could secure a breakthrough in Thursday night’s third-round tie.

The FA Cup will be played again between Crystal Palace and Everton, a Premier League team, following a goalless third-round draw at Selhurst Park.

Once more, VAR stole the show when it stepped in before Dominic Calvert-Lewin was sent out for what appeared to be a legitimate challenge on Nathaniel Clyne.

However, Everton managed to hold off a lackluster Crystal Palace team, and the two teams will now rematch at Goodison the following week.

The initial half proved uneventful, lacking any real threats or signs of scoring from either side. However, both teams increased their pace in the second half. Despite their improved efforts, the overall lack of quality on the night diminished the chances of a positive result.

The game’s pivotal moment so occurred in minute 76 when Calvert-Lewin appeared to win the ball while committing a serious challenge to Clyne, who he barely touched. Referee Chris Kavanagh let it go, but when the video authorities called him to the screen, he displayed a red card, which is equivalent to a three-game suspension.

Unfortunately, Sean Dyche’s evening did not go any better when Dwight McNeil left with what appeared to be a serious ankle injury. However, his team persevered admirably, and when James Garner missed the bar late in the game, they may have won.

However, a draw was a just outcome because neither team played well enough to win, and both were content enough to continue competing.

DISCUSSION POINT – VAR MAKES A RETURN

People didn’t embrace football for its precision in decision-making. Therefore, the attempt to enhance referee decisions from one level of accuracy to another, disrupting the flow and live-watching experience, seems to overlook the essence of the sport. VAR has made football less enjoyable and less appealing.

Due to a decision from individuals removed from the essence of the game, which is essentially a visceral experience, there’s an imposition on what those deeply connected to the game recognize as part of it. Calvert-Lewin’s tackle may not have been perilous, perhaps not even a foul, and yet he is now compelled to sit out three additional games. Who can truly be so assured in their judgment, especially in a situation like that, to advise the referee, the one experiencing it firsthand, that they understand the situation better?

Regrettably, we can’t undo what has been set in motion. The protests against refereeing decisions, the alleged conspiracies, and the attempts to divert attention—all of these factors have brought us to this point, accompanied by a culture of blame and sensationalism. However, despite these challenges, football remains enjoyable and worthwhile, so.

Stay in the game with 24hscore.

BEST PLAYER OF THE MATCH

James Garner (Everton) No one stood out, but he appeared to be the one putting in the most effort to create opportunities.

PLAYER SCORES

Crystal Palace:

Henderson 6, Clyne 6, Andersen 7, Guehi 6, Mitchell 6, Richards 6, Lerma 6, Eze 7, Franca 6, Mateta 5, Schlupp 6. Substitutes: Aahama 6, Hughes 6, Edouard 6.

Everton:

Virgina 6, Coleman 6, Tarkowski 7, Branthwaite 6, Mykolenko 6, Garner 7, Onana 7, Harrison 6, Danjuma 7, McNeil 6, Calvert-Lewin 6. Substitutes: Beto 7, Andre Gomes 6.

Live football scores – Stay updated now!

KEY MOMENTS

26’ – DANJUMA TROUBLING CRYSTAL PALACE

Once again, he sprints down the left, earning a corner. Garner delivers a low curler… and suddenly Henderson has to clear near his near post! His reaction was quick, given the poor cross that surprised him with its placement.

62’ – A PROMISING OPPORTUNITY!

Calvert-Lewin moves left, exploiting the space, with Harrison slipping the ball to him! He displays good pace as he advances into the box, but upon reaching there, he telegraphs his intent to go across, failing to deceive the goalkeeper for an accurate powerful shot. Henderson saves comfortably.

67’ – EVERTON’S TEMPO IMPROVES THIS HALF

They lack a bit of quality. Calvert-Lewin rises, winning the second ball while lightly colliding with Clyne, and then McNeil faces up to Hughes, sidestepping inside… but struggles to find a precise pass. VAR might scrutinize the challenge, though…

77’ – A TRICKY SITUATION

A challenging tackle you want in the game – a player slides in, wins the challenge while sliding, and makes contact. No one’s injured, and although that’s not the sole measure, it appears on the right side of the line because the player won the ball without causing harm. But he seems to be in discomfort.

79’ – CALVERT-LEWIN DEPARTS!

This isn’t the game I grew up with and fell in love with, so a red card – and a three-game suspension – for that – doesn’t sit well with me. I understand why it’s given, but if we value tackles in the game, and we do, well, it’s a tough call.

84’ – HERE WE GO!

Beto breaks down the right, delivers a low cross towards the penalty spot… and Garner sends it over the top. That was as good a chance as Dyche could have hoped for.