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Audio conversation between the referee and VAR during AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace emerges as fans call for action toward an obvious cheating moment
Bournemouth 3-0 Crystal Palace: Cherries move into European places as dominant win extends unbeaten streak to 15 games
Bournemouth moved one step closer to securing European football for the first time in their history after climbing into sixth with a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace at home.
The Cherries were handed the perfect start when their former player Jefferson Lerma guided Evanilson’s header over the line in the 10th minute before Eli Junior Kroupi got the chance to double their advantage with a controversial penalty just after the half-hour mark.
Controversial Penalty Audio Emerges as Bournemouth Edge Crystal Palace
*In the immediate aftermath of AFC Bournemouth’s victory over Crystal Palace at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday, leaked audio of the conversation between referee Robert Jones and VAR Peter Bankes has ignited fresh fury among fans and pundits.
The incident occurred when Bournemouth were awarded a penalty following a challenge by Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson on defender Marcos Senesi inside the box. Replays appeared to show minimal or no contact, yet Jones pointed to the spot and Eli Junior Kroupi converted to give the Cherries a 2-0 lead. VAR reviewed the decision but found no “clear and obvious error,” allowing the penalty to stand.
The newly surfaced audio captures the exchange:**Referee Jones:** “It’s a foul, definite contact on Senesi. He’s brought him down.”**VAR Bankes:** “Looks soft on the replay… little touch at best. You happy with the call?”
Referee Jones: “Yeah, I’m sticking with it. Penalty.”
Fans on social media have erupted, branding the decision as “obvious cheating” and “one of the softest penalties ever awarded in the Premier League.” Crystal Palace supporters are demanding an independent investigation, with many calling for PGMOL transparency and potential sanctions. Hashtags like #VAROut and #BournemouthScandal trended rapidly.
This latest controversy adds to growing scrutiny over refereeing standards and VAR’s effectiveness this season. Bournemouth secured the three points, but the debate over the decisive penalty is likely to dominate headlines for days. The Football Association has yet to comment.
Dean Henderson was deemed to have caught Marcos Senesi in the box – despite minimal contact – after clawing to retrieve the ball he had dropped while claiming a corner.
He drops the ball. But he doesn’t put an arm out or anything [to trip Senesi],” Glenn Murray said on Sky Sports. “I think this is extremely soft.”
VAR confirmed the on-field call before Kroupi rifled his spot-kick into the bottom left corner, moving the 19-year-old striker level with Robbie Fowler for most goals scored in their debut season in the top-flight as a teenager (12).
Palace boss Oliver Glasner made five changes to the team that beat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final three days prior but quickly called upon the services of Tyrick Mitchell, Adam Wharton and Ismalia Sarr at the break in search of a response.
Team news: Five Palace stars rested Ryan Christie and David Brooks were replaced by Tyler Adams and Rayan for Bournemouth. Oliver Glasner rested Tyrick Mitchell, Ismalia Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Adam Wharton and Chris Richards with one eye on the second leg of the Conference League semi-final on Thursday.
The changes improved Palace but other than half-chances for Jorgen Strand Larsen, one of which was saved by Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic and the other was skied over the bar, but a third from Rayan for the home side would seal all three points with 12 minutes to go.
The Cherries now extend their unbeaten run to 15 games in the Premier League – the longest streak across Europe’s top five leagues – and hold a one-point advantage on Brentford in seventh with three games to go.
Meanwhile, full focus for Palace turns to the second leg of their semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday as Glasner looks to add to his trophy collection before departing at the end of his contract this summer.
Three goals and three points for Bournemouth!
Bournemouth go ahead as Jefferson Lerma’s own goal adds to the visitors’ set-piece woes
Kroupi scored from the spot after Dean Henderson brought down Marcos Senesi to give away a penalty
Rayan latched onto David Brooks’ pass to fire home and seal victory for Bournemouth against Crystal Palace.
Story of the match in stats
What’s coming up in the Premier League? Bournemouth fixtures Crystal Palace fixtures Premier League fixtures
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