Watch Aston Villa fan be hit by baton-wielding policeman as one supporter is arrested for affray in violence at Selhurst Park
ASTON VILLA fans clashed with police after Henri Lansbury’s late equaliser was ruled out.
The sub looked to have snatched a point at Selhurst Park when he drove home in stoppage time.
But referee Kevin Friend disallowed the goal and booked Jack Grealish for diving in the build-up.
Stunned Grealish was stopped by his team-mates from confronting Friend while police drew batons on some travelling fans as tempers flared.
The Met Police confirmed one fan was arrested for affray and an investigation has been launched into the chaotic scenes.
Lansbury’s goal was ruled out because Friend had already blown for diving against Grealish inside the penalty box.
A possible penalty for Villa was checked by VAR official Andrew Madley but Friend’s original decision of a free-kick to Palace stood because there was no obvious error.
All that led to Villa boss Dean Smith blasting Friend and VAR, while midfielder John McGinn claimed his team had been “robbed”.
Smith said: “It was a good goal. No one could understand why it wasn’t given. Mayhem ensued.
“I spoke in the week about VAR and subjective decisions but the system is meant to right wrongs.
“I wondered what I’d be like when that system went against me.”
The decision was made despite Grealish not even appealling for a foul after challenges from Gary Cahill and Wilfried Zaha.
Smith said he was hoping to speak to Friend — who also sent off Trezeguet — before leaving London.
He added: “I didn’t understand the officials’ decision-making today.
“If you’re Jack Grealish, you’d be raging. He’s had his integrity questioned, not only by the officials here but in Stockley Park as well.”
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Jordan Ayew scored Palace’s 73rd-minute winner against his old club.
Eagles boss Roy Hodgson said: “I’m very dissatisfied. It was such a good performance but all of a sudden it’s been reduced to whether the final decision was right or wrong.
“It would have been a bitter blow to lose two points in the last minute.”