Neil Warnock criticises referee Craig Pawson after Chelsea defeat

Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock has criticised referee Craig Pawson following his side's 2-1 loss against Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

Pawson sent off Palace defender Damien Delaney for a second bookable offence after he tugged back Loic Remy just before half time.

After the match, Warnock told reporters: "The one thing I've not missed when I've been doing my media work, I've not missed performances like that. We played really well and it's overshadowed by a poor performance by the referee.

"John Terry doesn't get booked and he books Damien Delaney and I think it's ridiculous. I thought he was influenced today. Delaney got a touch to the ball in the first booking, the second one Remy dives and then you have four Chelsea players surrounding the referee. I thought those days were gone - banned. I think the four lads around him made his mind up for him. It takes away from the performance. I thought they did really well. It's so disappointing.

"I don't think the referee has a defence today. I don't really want to talk about him. All things being even, I thought we would have got a result."

Blues right-back Cesar Azpilicueta also saw red during the first half of the London derby.