Alan Pardew isn’t happy with Shane Long.
The Crystal Palace manager suggested that Long dived to win a penalty, and went one step further by claiming that the player has a “history” of simulating fouls to earn a penalty.
The Southampton striker won a penalty in his side’s 2-0 win over Palace on Wednesday night in the EFL Cup, or rather Martin Kelly conceded a spot-kick.
The former Liverpool defender landed a clumsy challenge on Long, making a clear connection with the striker’s leg and failing to win the ball.
Charlie Austin converted the spot kick and Pardew took aim at Long following the match.
“Shane Long is quick and has got a bit of history in those situations,” Pardew said.
“He was definitely going over, I know that, but the video I saw was inconclusive. The players felt it was a bit harsh but it was difficult to see unless you see it clearly on television.”
Long was booked for diving against Swansea City last weekend, however Pardew can have no gripes about the decision to award a penalty last night. The tackle was poorly-timed and the Irish striker couldn’t be accused of diving or “going over” to win the penalty.
Bringing up incidents from the recent past also seems unfair, as it has no bearing on the context of Kelly’s tackle. Long was cleared out before he was even given an opportunity to simulate a foul.
Regardless of whether Long has dived in the past to win penalties, he didn’t dive to win one last night and citing his apparent “history” of simulation doesn’t change that.
How would Pardew feel if people constantly brought up his history of dancing on the sidelines?
Claude Puel defended his player, and called Kelly’s tackle “dangerous.”
“It was dangerous the tackle of the defender on Shane,” the Saints’ manager said.
“I am afraid that he was injured. I think it’s important for the yellow card for this dangerous tackle from behind.”
