Referee gets axed after Palace goal gaffe

REFEREE Rob Shoebridge has paid for his failure to award Crystal Palace a valid goal in the Eagles’ 1-0 Coca Cola Championship match at Bristol City on Saturday.

Referees chief Keith Hackett confirmed Shoebridge has been removed from taking charge of the league clash between Plymouth and Cardiff at Home Park tomorrow night.

Palace striker Freddie Sears looked to have given his side the lead after 34 minutes when he drilled a low shot into the corner of the net. But the ball bounced back into play after hitting the stanchion and Shoebridge inexplicably awarded a goal-kick.

Assistant Chris Knowles has also been handed the same punishment for his part in the incident. Hackett said: “I decide ultimately if they are taken off a game with (Football League referees manager) David Allison.

“He (Shoebridge) was scheduled to do a game in midweek. He won’t be doing that.

“It applies to the referee’s assistant as well. Ideally you want the assistant looking from one angle and the ref from another. Therefore between them you want the decision to be right.”

Hackett has apologised to Palace boss Neil Warnock and the travelling fans who saw their side beaten 1-0 by Bristol City.