VIDEO: Jordan Ayew scores as Palace downs Villa 1-0

Roy Hodgson said his Crystal Palace side did not need to "apologise" for their 1-0 Premier League win over 10-man Aston Villa, after the visitors had a late equaliser controversially ruled out.

Jordan Ayew's instinctive finish ultimately decided the match at Selhurst Park, but Villa were incensed as Henri Lansbury's added-time effort was disallowed for what referee Kevin Friend judged to be a dive by Jack Grealish in the build-up.

It also prompted angry scenes off the pitch, with TV footage showing punches being thrown at security staff by spectactors in the away end. Police with batons eventually intervened, making one arrest, with video footage under review to assess if further action is necessary.

"It's unfortunate in some ways for us that it's all going to centre around the controversy at the end," said Hodgson, whose side are up to fourth in the formative Premier League table after back-to-back wins.

"Lucky for us the referee had made his decision before the ball had gone in the net and that was to give the free-kick," he added.

"I don't think we need to apologise at all for the fact that we won the game."

Watch highlights of the match below;