ROY HAS HOPE FOR ZAHA
CRYSTAL PALACE boss Roy Hodgson is optimistic Wilfried Zaha will win his appeal against his latest ban for being sent off at Southampton.
Zaha was fined £10,000 and hit with a one-match suspension on Thursday.
He admitted improper conduct for sarcastically applauding referee Andre Marriner to get himself dismissed.
He has already missed one match for the red card he received at St Mary’s, but is now appealing again the extra punishment.
Hodgson said: “A one-match ban, which he’s already served, was more than sufficient punishment for the event, and we made that clear at the commission.
“This will lead to a second hearing, where we hope that further one-match ban will be crushed. We’ve appealed, and the result is they have suspended the ban, so we’ll have to wait and see whether we’re successful or the ban is upheld, until such time as the appeal is heard.
“It’s not very nice to be sent off, and you’re always disappointed in yourself and the referee’s decision, so it’s pretty obvious he’s upset about it.
“We were treated very fairly with the FA board and the lawyer we had believes we’re justified in making the appeal, so we’ll wait and see if we get that extra game lifted.”
Palace host West Ham today without the injured James Tomkins, who misses out against his former team.
Scott Dann is expected to replace him in defence and make his first start in the Premier League since December 2017.
“Scott knows he’s fit and ready and knocking on the door,” said Hodgson.
“I regard him as one of the people at the club whose opinion I value, not just on the team.
“So much as it’s a blow to lose James Tomkins, it’s good to know I have two (Dann and Martin Kelly) I can call upon to go in and do a job.”
New loan striker Michy Batshuayi is also in line to feature and Hodgson added: “He has settled in surprisingly well. We’re lucky we have players who know him and speak French like he does.
“He’s bonded very well with our players, and shown what qualities and skills he has. He’s had a good week’s training.”