Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has revealed his disgust at an incident which saw Eagles midfielder James McArthur receive a yellow card for diving, according to ESPN.
Unlike many managers, Pardew has taken the unusual step of slamming his own player’s conduct.
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The incident happened in the 49th minute of the Crystal Palace’s Premier League victory over Stoke City, when the former Wigan midfielder took a tumble in the box.
However, the referee was not convinced, and booked McArthur – a decision Pardew agreed with.
“He dived. He should be embarrassed. He’s a great professional and that’s unlike him,” McArthur’s manager told ESPN.
Despite looking as though they have secured their safety in the top flight for another year, Palace boss Pardew suggested that the intensity of occasion, may have triggered the attempt to cheat the referee.
“We keep moaning about diving but it grates on me. I was surprised but it shows what pressure does to players.”
At the time, the south London outfit had come back from a goal deficit to lead 2-1, with strikes from Glenn Murray and Wilfried Zaha cancelling out Mame Biram Diouf’s opener for the Potters. Palace therefore had no need to chase points, nor was their Premier League future hanging by a thread. If McArthur dived due to pressure, it could only have been because he felt he needed to make the points safe by doubling the team’s lead.
Though Pardew was annoyed with his player, the former Newcastle United manager explained that he won’t need to reprimand McArthur, as he believes the player will be suitably ashamed by his behaviour.
“I haven’t spoken to him about but I don’t need to. He will see the replay and he will be embarrassed,” he continued.
Pardew has proven a success since returning to Selhurst Park, having represented the South London side in his playing days, helping drag Crystal Palace clear of the relegation zone with eight wins collected from his 13 games in charge.
They have now overtaken his old team Newcastle United, who are experiencing contrasting fortunes since Pardew left over the Christmas period.