Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri says 'stupid foul' lead to penalty blunder
The Italian believes it was the turning point in Fulham's 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace
Sunday 3 February 2019 18:44, UK
Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri could not hide his frustration after his side conceded a penalty in the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.
With nothing between the sides in the opening period, Cyrus Christie led with his arm in the area as he challenged Palace forward Christian Benteke for a header.
Referee Michael Oliver had no hesitation in pointing to the spot with Luka Milivojevic converting the resultant spot-kick in the 25th minute.
From that moment on, the hosts were rarely troubled with Jeffrey Schlupp wrapping up the victory late one.
On the opening goal, Ranieri said: "We created a good chance for Aleksandar Mitrovic in the first half but the penalty finished the match.
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"It was crazy, [a] stupid foul - but that is football, something happens.
"We perhaps used a lot of energy, physically and mentally in the comeback against Brighton and today we didn't have the same strength."
Palace manager Roy Hodgson also agreed it was a turning point in the game: "I thought Fulham played very well in the first half and we weren't anywhere near our best.
"The penalty changed the game, though, and I can understand Claudio's frustrations.
"But we took advantage of it and played much better in the second half - it took awhile but the second goal came and it was a big relief."
