Neil Warnock blasted linesman Trevor Massey after his decision led to Stiliyan Petrov's late equaliser in Crystal Palace's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at Selhurst Park.

With three minutes left and the Eagles leading 2-1, Julian Speroni produced an outstanding save from John Carew with the ball seeming to come off Nathan Delfouneso before going behind.

Massey gave a corner though much to the disgust of Warnock and his players and Petrov got in first at the near post to head home Stewart Downing's delivery.

“It's disappointing and it's bitter,” said Warnock.

“Mr Massey says if he got it wrong he will be suspended for the next few games and I just said to him when he's sat on his settee suspended will he be thinking about us?

“The thing is he didn't see it, he's given it to Aston Villa and they've scored a goal.

“I thought the referee had a great game but was let down by someone who had a very poor game.

“I don't feel any sympathy if he is suspended, personally I hope it's for a long time.

“I've asked him if he realises how much work we do and how hard it is at a club who cannot afford anything to come up against the second best side left in the competition and give absolutely everything for the cause and are not let down by anything that's a footballing matter.

“It was purely just incompetence.

“I cannot explain how proud I am really of the players though, I think they were absolutely fantastic.

“We had to stick to the game plan and in normal circumstances we would have been through.”