Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher agreed with the pundits’ verdict on Michael Oliver’s decision to send off Jean-Philippe Mateta in Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.Spurs got a huge boost just 13 minutes into Saturday’s game as Pierre Sage’s game plan went out the window with Mateta’s dismissal. Saturday 31st October Premier League TottenhamTottenham2|0Crystal PalaceCrystal PalaceWhile Oliver initially handed the Palace striker a yellow card, he was asked to rewatch the incident by VAR, after which he changed it to a straight red.The replays showed that Mateta had lunged with pace and caught Van de Ven with his studs after the Dutchman nipped the ball away.Tottenham were completely dominant in the game from that point on, with Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson’s heroics ensuring that the scoreline remained respectable for the South London side.Jean-Philippe Mateta receives his first red card for Crystal Palace! 🟥 https://t.co/U9UYb29mbk— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 31, 2026Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty ImagesDermot Gallagher agrees with red card decision in Tottenham’s win over Crystal PalaceThe consensus from pundits is that Mateta’s challenge on Van de Ven was a dangerous one, given the way the striker launched himself towards the Spurs captain.Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher admitted that he understood why Oliver did not deem it a red-card challenge when watching the foul play out at full speed.However, the former PMGOL official opined that the right decision was made, given that the Palace star was tackling from behind and coming in with force.When asked whether Mateta deserved a red, Gallagher told Sky Sports’ ref watch: ” When you see [the reverse] angle, and that image, yes. I understand why the referee didn’t give it at speed in the game. But this tackle, when players are coming in from behind with speed, they are consistent on it.”Tim Sherwood and Jay Bothroyd blast Mateta for poor decision against SpursThe two in-studio Sky Sports pundits did not have any qualms about Gallagher’s claim, with Tim Sherwood and Jay Bothroyd both feeling that Mateta could not have any complaints after seeing red.The former Spurs interim boss was at a loss as to why the 29-year-old decided to attempt a slide tackle in the middle of the pitch while the former Cardiff City striker accused Mateta of letting his team down.Sherwood said: “My argument is, why is he lunging on the halfway line? He’s up there, and he’s got no support. What can he actually do? Why are you going for the ball? You’re on the halfway line…all he’s trying to do is do Micky van de Ven and slow him up.”Bothroyd said about Mateta: “What is he doing there? Why is he lunging in? There is no reason why he should do that. He knows straight away, and he’s let his team down. Poor from Mateta.”READ MORE: Supercomputer makes new Tottenham Premier League prediction after Crystal Palace winThe post Former referee reveals whether Tottenham got lucky with Jean-Philippe Mateta red card appeared first on Spurs Web.