Christian Benteke apologises to team mates after penalty blunder in Crystal Palace’s draw with Bournemouth
The Belgian striker has said sorry to his fellow players after miss from six yards denies Palace three points
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CRYSTAL PALACE striker Christian Benteke takes responsibility for his penalty miss that cost Crystal Palace a vital win.
Benteke's 93rd minute spot-kick was saved by Asmir Begovic during Palace's 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on the weekend.
Wilfried Zaha went down under a challenge from Bournemouth's Charlie Daniels and referee Kevin Friend pointed straight to the spot.
Luka Milivojevic had already expertly put away a penalty earlier in the game, but Benteke took that responsibility from his teammate.
That proved to be a mistake as the club's record signing's tame strike was easily kept out by the Bournemouth keeper.
Palace boss Roy Hodgson was rightly angry with the disappointing effort, expecting more from the number 17.
In his press conference today Hodgson confirmed Benteke apologised, he said: "The first opportunity, this morning, he gets the players around, says his piece – he’s already said it to me – that’s a strong and correct thing to do.
"I am very happy with the way he has reacted to it and taken responsibility and the way he has explained that to the rest of the team.
"He was very confident against Bournemouth. He played well in the game and was very confident he would score.
"He persuaded Luka to take it. He wanted it, he was convinced he would score it, he felt good about his game. No-one was more devastated he didn't score.
Since joining from Liverpool for a record fee of £27million, Benteke has scored just 15 goals in 47 appearances.
The 27-year-old hasn't been able to replicate the form he showed at Aston Villa, where he put away just under a goal every two games.
