Oliver Glasner explained his decision to substitute Eberechi Eze at half-time during Crystal Palace’s goalless draw with Bournemouth, calling it a “tactical” move. The match saw Palace reduced to 10 men just before half-time when Chris Richards was sent off for a second yellow card after minimal contact with Justin Kluivert. The dismissal left the Palace side frustrated, especially as referee Samuel Barrott did not issue a second yellow to Bournemouth’s Alex Scott for a similar challenge on Ismaila Sarr minutes earlier.
Palace’s lack of shots on target compounded the disappointment, with the draw leaving them in 12th place in the Premier League. In response to Richards’ red card, Glasner made the decision to substitute Eze for Jefferson Lerma at half-time, reinforcing the midfield to adjust for the numerical disadvantage.
Glasner addressed the substitution, stating: “It was just a tactical change. With 10 men, we needed players who could make runs and push the game forward. We needed to remain compact defensively but also able to break out with players like JP [Mateta], Ismaila, and Dani Munoz.”
He also discussed Richards’ red card, stating: “The consistency wasn’t there. If one player is not punished for a similar challenge, then it should have been the same for Richards. That’s the sentiment we had in the dressing room.”