Palace boss Roy Hodgson brands handball rule ‘nonsense’ as Everton go top

Joel Ward was controversially punished after the ball hit his hand  

Joel Ward, right, gave away the penalty which saw Crystal Palace lost 2-1 at home to Everton (Clive Rose/PA)

Roy Hodgson labelled the handball rule “nonsense” after he watched Crystal Palace lose 2-1 at home to Everton due to Richarlison’s 40th-minute penalty.

Joel Ward was punished after the ball hit his hand inside the area from Lucas Digne’s header, but only after the video assistant referee gave the power back to the referee at Selhurst Park.