Gary Lineker has theory on confusing rule that Marc Guehi broke in Crystal Palace defeat
Gary Lineker has suggested Marc Guehi may have misunderstood the rules when he was responsible for a costly penalty re-take during Crystal Palace's loss to Brentford.
The Eagles fell behind at Selhurst Park on Sunday after Maxence Lacroix's foul on Nathan Collins handed Bryan Mbeumo his chance to convert from 12 yards. Palace captain Guehi initially saved his fellow defender's skin when he cleared the ball as Mbeumo hit the post, but replays showed he had encroached after entering the semi-circle before the ball was kicked.
The Rest Is Football co-pundit Micah Richards broke down the drama of the re-taken spot-kick and said it was "really interesting" to see Mbeumo's reaction. That's when Lineker interjected to discuss Guehi's role and joked about whether he might have been confused about the encroachment rules.
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"It was interesting with Marc Guehi because he did encroach, didn't he? Just before," said the Tottenham and England icon. "And it has to be the player that obviously clears the ball.
"I just wonder whether he thought perhaps - I don't know - because he went in the semi-circle, didn't he? And I wonder whether he thought that was okay, because 'I'm still outside the lateral line of the penalty area.' I don't know, but it was the right call in the end."
The Premier League updated the encroachment law ahead of the 2024/25 season, meaning a player is only considered to be encroaching if they have a "material impact on the outcome of the kick." The semi-circle is considered a part of the penalty box, and because Guehi broke the law in order to get in position for his clearance, it was necessary to award a second spot-kick.
It's also possible for a retake to be ordered if an attacking player has an impact when their team-mate is taking a penalty. In any case, Alan Shearer agreed referee Tony Harrington and VAR Darren England had made the "right decision" to award Brentford another chance from the spot.
Lineker was also entertained by Brentford forward Yoane Wissa celebrating Mbeumo's goal before it had even gone in. The 28-year-old could be seen cheering just as his team-mate was stepping up to take his second attempt in a stunning display of faith.
"He was celebrating when Mbeumo was actually running up to take the penalty. He was going, 'Wheeeyyyy,'" added the Leicester native. "I don't know whether there's a bit of s***housery going on, trying to put the keeper off there, or it was ultimate confidence in his partner."
The result marked Palace's first home defeat since losing 5-1 against Arsenal just before Christmas. Brentford, meanwhile, have now won back-to-back away games after failing to record a road victory this season prior to their trip to Southampton earlier in January.
Thomas Frank's men are back up to 11th and four points ahead of the Eagles after the 2-1 victory as Palace skipper Guehi and co missed out on the chance to break into the top half of the table.
