Roy Hodgson criticizes referee’s decision when Christian Benteke misses Liverpool meeting

Christian Benteke will miss a reunion with his former club Liverpool after being sent off by Crystal Palace after opening the scoring against West Ham United on Wednesday night.

The Belgian international moved to Selhurst Park from Anfield in August 2016, completing a £ 27 million move, and scored both goals for Palace in a 2-1 win the last time Jurgen Klopp’s men lost a home game. in the Premier League. in April 2017.

But the 30-year-old has struggled in the capital ever since, registering just six goals in the top flight between 2017/18 and 2019/20.

However, he has found form in recent weeks, scoring a double against West Bromwich Albion earlier this month before opening the scoring against West Ham United on Wednesday night.

But he will not have a chance to continue in that form against the Reds on Saturday when Liverpool travel to Crystal Palace, as he must serve a one-game suspension after being sent off against the Hammers for a second bookable infraction.

Scoring a header in the first half, Benteke was sent off with 20 minutes remaining for a second yellow card after catching Tomas Soucek with his elbow, having previously been booked for a similar incident with Angelo Ogbonna.

And Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson crashed into the decision to send the forward off after the final whistle.

“It was a ridiculous decision,” said the former Liverpool manager. “He just tried to use his arm to pry and honestly win the ball.

“It’s weird sitting here and saying these things like you’re a monster who wants everything to turn out the way he wants.”

Benteke scored 10 goals in 42 appearances during his only season with Liverpool after signing from Aston Villa on a £ 32.5 million deal in July 2015.