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'The rules are nonsense': Roy Hodgson slams 'totally unacceptable' decision to award a penalty against Crystal Palace after ball struck Joel Ward's hand in the box... as he insists he will make 'absolutely no apology' for speaking out

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson was left fuming after Everton were awarded a dubious game-winning penalty after Lucas Digne's header struck the hand of Joel Ward from close range.

With the two sides level at Selhurst Park, referee Kevin Friend was instructed to use his pitchside monitor to look at the incident again having initially given nothing.

Despite Ward's arm being in a natural position when the ball struck, Friend controversially awarded the Toffees the penalty in accordance with this season's new handballs laws.

Roy Hodgson was left fuming after a handball decision cost Crystal Palace defeat on Saturday
Joel Ward was controversially penalised for handball which lead to Everton's winning penalty
The ball struck Ward on the arm in the penalty area after Lucas Digne's headed knockdown

Richarlison held his nerve from the spot and emphatically restored Everton's lead, with the decision being branded 'totally unacceptable' by the Eagles boss, who pulled no punches in his post-match interview.