Bournemouth were held to a frustrating goalless draw by a 10-man Crystal Palace side at Selhurst Park, in a match dominated more by refereeing controversy than quality football.
The game’s turning point came late in the first half when Palace defender Chris Richards was controversially shown a second yellow card by referee Sam Barrott for what appeared to be a soft challenge on Justin Kluivert. The decision, which reduced the hosts to ten men, sparked debate—especially as Bournemouth’s Alex Scott had earlier escaped a second booking for a nearly identical foul on Ismaila Sarr.
Barrott, who issued nine yellow cards throughout the encounter, further incensed the home crowd in the second half when he opted not to send off Tyler Adams after a late challenge on Will Hughes, despite the challenge seemingly warranting a second caution.
Despite their numerical advantage, Bournemouth failed to capitalize and break the deadlock, missing the opportunity to strengthen their bid for European football. The dropped points now leave them vulnerable to Fulham, who could leapfrog them into eighth place—potentially the final qualifying spot for the UEFA Conference League, assuming Palace do not win the FA Cup.
For Palace, manager Oliver Glasner will take some comfort from a solid defensive display and a much-needed clean sheet, particularly after conceding ten goals in bruising defeats to Manchester City and Newcastle. However, their inability to register a single shot on target raises concerns about their attacking threat moving forward.
