Palace players argue with referee Dermot Gallagher

Crystal Palace boss Trevor Francis renewed his call for video replays after a controversial refereeing decision cost his side dear in their FA Cup defeat to Leeds.

Harry Kewell's 72nd-minute solo effort sealed a 2-1 fifth-round win as Terry Venables enjoyed a victorious return to Selhurst Park.

But referee Dermot Gallagher failed to award Palace a goal or a penalty when Tommy Black's goal-bound shot struck Michael Duberry on the arm and then crossed the line.

Gallagher seemed to have a clear view of the incident, but his assistant was apparently unsighted on the touchline and Leeds escaped.

"I initially thought the ball was six inches over the line," bemoaned Francis. "In actual fact, it was two feet over.

"The referee could see it quite clearly but he also has to rely on his assistants. It was handball but it was over the line in any case and still he didn't give it.

You don't see goals like that in the First Division Francis hails Kewell's winner

"The question of whether the ball crossed the line should be decided by introducing technology and video replays.

"I've been saying that for some time now. Too many games are being decided by decisions from referees and linesmen, and that's a pity."

Venables admitted: "It looked like the ball was going to go in twice, and it seems it did actually go over the line. That's the lucky break we needed and we have been looking for."

Francis was also upset at another unsuccessful penalty appeal by his side just before Kewell's winner.

"The most annoying thing is that we have gone out of the FA Cup though," he added.

"But it was a great winning goal by Harry Kewell. Very few other players in this country could have scored a goal like that. You don't see those in the First Division!"

Venables also paid tribute to Kewell's "exceptional" goal, and the impact of Gary Kelly, who scored the opener with a 25-yard free-kick before Julian Gray equalised.

But the Leeds boss was unimpressed by the hostile reception he received from Palace fans after his troubled spell under the chairmanship of Mark Goldberg.

"I had a very successful time when I was first here and it is galling to get this reaction when I return now because of all the inaccuracies about my last spell," he added.