Alan Pardew criticises Mike Riley and decision to appoint Andre Marriner for Palace v Liverpool: ‘I don’t think he should have reffed this game’

Alan Pardew has questioned the decision to appoint Andre Marriner as referee for Crystal Palace’s 4-2 defeat to Liverpool.

Marriner awarded Liverpool a contentious last-minute penalty in the same fixture last season, which was converted by striker Christian Benteke - who has since moved to Selhurst Park - to give the Reds a 2-1 success.

The official was booed by sections of the Selhurst Park crowd during Saturday's game - which was LIVE on talkSPORT.

Emre Can, Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and Roberto Firmino scored as Jurgen Klopp’s side moved level on points with leaders Manchester City, cancelling out James McArthur’s first-half double.

Pardew was also frustrated Marriner turned down three penalty appeals from the Eagles.

The Palace boss told BT Sport: "It was too open at times for us and we gifted possession a little bit too much to Liverpool.

"But there were still some decisions that went against us today. I don't think Andre Marriner should have reffed this game. He gives the penalty last year so we've got a negative in our mind anyway.

"Why was Mike Riley (manager of the Professional Game Match Officials) giving him the game today? I can't understand it.

"And then we get three penalty calls, okay they are tight but they are probably no worse than Christian's last year so it's just a little bit frustrating that part."