Neil Warnock was pleased with his Crystal Palace side’s performance following their 2-1 defeat to Chelsea but slammed referee Craig Pawson for being influenced by the Blues’ players.

Damien Delaney and Cesar Azpilicueta were sent off in a tempestuous first half, while Oscar put the Blues ahead early on before Cesc Fabregas sealed the points in the second half, despite Fraizer Campbell’s late consolation.

Warnock was unhappy with the referee’s performance.

He said: “I felt that if that were my player, John Terry would have been booked earlier on.

"It was clearer than any other decision on the day, and, for me, it set a precedent.

“The referee has left a lot to be desired today, he’s had better days.”

However, Warnock was equally keen not to take anything away from his players’ performance after they matched Chelsea in an even first half.

“I don’t think that should take away from our lot, I thought they played really well.

“There was some great stuff and we should have scored two or three in that first 40 minutes. As I said at half time I really enjoyed it.”

The Palace boss branded Damien Delaney’s second yellow card as “silly” after the defender pulled back Loic Remy.

“I had just got Mariappa out to put him on but it was too late. It was a silly thing to do to give the referee a decision like that, even though if you watch it in slow motion he pulls him back. He’s free actually and goes down you can’t blame him.

“The team are around the referee and I think they influenced him. “