Crystal Palace skipper Mile Jedinak claims that referee Craig Pawson was unduly influenced in his decision to send Damian Delaney off during Saturday’s 1-2 defeat to able topping Chelsea.

Jedinak had minutes earlier been on the receiving end of a rash two-footed tackle, which resulted in the dismissal of Cesar Azpilicueta.

However, just three minutes later the hosts were also reduced to 10 men as Delaney was dismissed for holding back Loic Remy.

The referee appeared to be issuing a final warning to the Irish international before being swamped by Chelsea players, and Jedinak believes that influenced his decision making.

The Aussie captain said: “There was contact there and it wasn’t the nicest of challenges from Azpilicueta.

“The ref saw it, he made the decision and I don’t think they had too many complaints about it, it’s just unfortunate that we gave the referee a chance to even it up.”

He added: “It happens in this league, players surround referees and you have to take that responsibility that it can happen, particularly at this level where players can influence referees but that is part of playing at this level.

“Damian felt he didn’t do too much wrong but the Chelsea players have this knack of going down and the referee has made his decision.”