'Stitched up' Brighton fans furious as Crystal Palace take lead after dubious penalty

Palace striker Michy Batshuayi pleads for a penalty and referee Stuart Atwell obligedPalace striker Michy Batshuayi pleads for a penalty and referee Stuart Atwell obliged
Palace striker Michy Batshuayi pleads for a penalty and referee Stuart Atwell obliged
Brighton were on the receiving end of a harsh penalty decision during the first half of their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park

Michy Batshuayi crumpled to the floor on 18 minutes following the slightest of contacts from Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey after Andros Townsend's cross into the box.

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Referee Stuart Atwell pointed to the spot and VAR backed the decision after a brief check.

Wilfried Zaha easily converted from the spot to hand Palace a 1-0 lead.

Brighton fans were quick to voice their frustration on social media. Here's what he Albion fans had to say.

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"Never a penalty! Why do we always seem to get stitched up "

@Big_Fat_Gaz VAR ref is Kevin Friend. Say no more.

@SimonRusbridge Harsh on lamptey, never a pen #BHAFC

@Suspendedgoose So the ref and VAR see that as a penalty, thats interesting, but if it was the other end id be saying its a stone wall penalty, so horses for courses. #BHAFC

@MissWadgeY6NQT That decision is absolutely dreadful. Never a penalty if I’ve ever seen one. Liverpool were done over by VAR yesterday and the same to us today. It seriously needs to be looked at, it’s utterly killing the game. Shambles.

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@seaby13 #bhafc as much I would miss it I think it may be time to stop watching this game. #VAR is killing the game has has made the into a joke. With this today and those decisions yesterday I have had enough.

@FootyAlbionMe Aside from the utter ridiculousness of that penalty, and even worse decision not to overturn it, Albion have struggled to get going again since conceding.

@Jackp93 We really don’t get decisions these days do we? That has to be one of the softest penalties I’ve ever seen given. You’d be shot for going down like that in any other league. #BHAFC