Neil Warnock: 'Craig Dawson challenge was almost assault'

Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock has admitted that he was unhappy with referee Mark Clattenburg's failure to award his team a free kick in the build-up to West Bromwich Albion's first goal in their 2-2 draw on Saturday.

Baggies defender Craig Dawson clattered into goalkeeper Julian Speroni inside the penalty area, but a foul was not given, allowing Victor Anichebe to net to halve Albion's two-goal deficit.

West Brom secured a point when they equalised in added-on time at The Hawthorns, but Warnock believes that their earlier goal had changed the course of the match.

He told Sky Sports News: "Unfortunately, the referee hasn't got technology but it's almost assault on Speroni.

"He came from two or three yards away and smashes him in the face. I don't understand why one of the officials can't see that.

"We had started alright in the second half, but it was a turning point in the game and it gave them a lift. It should have been a free kick."

The draw has left Palace in 16th place in the Premier League table.