Dean Smith 'baffled' by decision to chalk off last minute Aston Villa equaliser

The boss claimed to be “baffled” as to why Friend disallowed substitute Henri Lansbury’s strike in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Lansbury fired home only for the official to pull play back and book Villa skipper Jack Grealish, who had played the final pass, for diving.

The decision condemned the visitors to defeat, courtesy of Jordan Ayew’s 73rd minute strike for Palace.

Smith said: “Nobody can understand why it was not given. I spoke in the week about VAR and subjective decisions and I'd always wondered how I'd be when the first one went against me, disappointed.

"I can't see anything having watched it back, he got a nudge from Zaha in the back as Jack's running at them and, as he offloads it, Cahill's comes in for the tackle as well. Simulation? No chance!

"I've been questioned if his reputation goes before him but he was the most-fouled player in the Championship last season for a reason and he's one of the most in this league as well.

"For me, it's a perfectly good goal rubbed off. I've not seen him. I'll go and see him. I'll probably get some waffle for the reasons but we all know it's a poor decision.”

Friend’s decision meant the match ended in chaos, with angry scenes both on the pitch and among visiting supporters.

Asked how his players were feeling, Smith said: "If you're Jack Grealish you'd be raging because he's having his integrity questioned.

“He's made a great run, laid it off to Lansbury who scores and he's having his integrity questioned.

“Not only by the officials here but the (VAR) officials at Stockwell Park I believe. Jack wasn't looking for the foul, that's what baffles me.”

Friend’s performance had already been a talking point with Villa reduced to ten men early in the second half when winger Trezeguet was dismissed for a second bookable defence.

The Egyptian international had been one of four visiting players booked during the first-half.

Smith said: "It left me baffled to be honest. The first three fouls were against us, two of them around their penalty box, no cautions and, then, for whatever reason, we end up with four yellows in a 20-minute spell.

"Trez's first yellow, he's a millisecond away from winning the ball. Yes, a free-kick because he's a millisecond late but certainly not a yellow card.

“It should tels you something when 3,500 fans after 25 minutes question some of the decisions tells you about the performances. They're all human, though.”