It has been revealed why Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta had to retake a penalty against Manchester United. The Eagles were awarded a spot kick after Lenny Yolo brought down the towering Frenchman inside the area. Mateta stepped up and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner.
However, replays showed there was only a slight double touch. Explaining his decision on the pitch, referee Rob Jones said: “After review, the Crystal Palace 14 touched the ball twice and the ball went into the net. We will re-take the penalty.”
Ally McCoist said on TNT Sports: “As you can imagine, the reaction from supporters both home and away was mixed.”
In previous campaigns, United would have been awarded an indirect free kick if such an incident occurred.
However, due to the regulations being revised at the beginning of this year, unintentional double touches now lead to penalties being reinstated.
This is the first time the latest rules have been applied in the Premier League.
The amendments were made after former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez had his penalty goal for Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid in the Champions League ruled out.
This regulation was also seen at the 2025 Women’s Euro Final. England’s Beth Mead had to retake her penalty in the shootout, but her second shot was blocked.
Mateta was once again responsible for the penalty being retaken. He again sent the ball past Senne Lamence, this time scoring into the bottom corner at the other end, giving Palace goal advantage.
Following the incident, the Premier League confirmed via their Match Center
This goal was the difference between the two teams at half-time, and coach Ruben Amorim’s side looked to make a comeback in the second half.
