Hodgson admits replay 'was last thing he wanted'

Alex Howell, BBC Sport

Roy Hodgson admits an FA Cup replay was the "last thing either of us wanted" after Crystal Palace's 0-0 draw with Everton at Selhurst Park.

"Both teams defended well, were difficult to break down, and unfortunately sometimes (a draw happens)," he said.

"The two teams’ defences did well enough to reduce the number of clear cut chances to a minimum.”

Hodgson also expressed a sympathy with Everton boss Sean Dyche after striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin was sent off after a lengthy VAR check for a challenge on Nathaniel Clyne.

“Sean comes from a type of football where those types of challenges were pretty commonplace," said Hodgson.

“We now live in a slightly different world. If you go into challenges and you have a bit of intent behind it, then there is a risk, unfortunately, that the referee will give a red card.

“I have every sympathy with him – there was definitely no malicious intent from Calvert-Lewin. There is no question of that.

“It’s just a situation of an interpretation of a challenge. The interpretation, unfortunately, can be that if your foot is off the ground as you go into the challenge, it can be deemed a red card.

“Do I understand Sean Dyche’s frustration and disappointment with the decision? Yes I do, but I’m not prepared to criticise the referee either.”