Alan Pardew "disappointed" by Mark Clattenburg decisions in FA Cup final

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has criticised the performance of referee Mark Clattenburg during his side's FA Cup final defeat at the hands of Manchester United on Saturday.

Clattenburg made two high-profile decisions in the first half of the Wembley showpiece, first pulling play back for a foul when Palace striker Connor Wickham was bearing down on goal and then denying the Eagles a penalty after Wayne Rooney challenged Wilfried Zaha.

United went on to win the game courtesy of a memorable Jesse Lingard strike in extra time, but Pardew was "disappointed" by the referee's display.

"I was really disappointed with the Connor decision in particular because you could see he was going to get up first and the advantage was really with us. To be pulled back was really harsh and I do think the Rooney tackle on Wilf was a penalty," he told reporters.

"We played with heart and passion. It was a great cup final and Man United were the same, it was even. They had more possession but couldn't get through us and it made for an enthralling tie, a game that could have gone either way. Unfortunately for us it didn't go our way."

The result means that Palace missed out on both a first major trophy in the club's history and a maiden season in Europe next term.