Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha apologises to team and fans after red card vs Southampton

The Ivorian picked up a second yellow card for sarcastically applauding the referee in the 1-1 draw though Roy Hodgson was understanding of his player's predicament

Wilfried Zaha has apologised after being sent off for sarcastically clapping referee Andre Marriner in the 87th minute of Crystal Palace's 1-1 draw with Southampton.

The Ivorian clashed with James Ward-Prowse to pick up a yellow card and showed his disapproval for the decision in his reaction to Marriner, which saw him given his marching orders.

And Zaha took to social media to apologise to Eagles fans and his team-mates for his ill discipline.

"All I can do is apologise to the team and the fans for my red card tonight because I could have cost us today," said the 26-year-old.

"I will learn from it for sure."

Roy Hodgson's reaction was sympathetic towards his star player, revealing he has "empathy" for Zaha as he was "fouled a lot," but reiterated he could not "condone" the reaction.

"His reaction to not receiving a foul when he was clearly pushed off the ball - obviously people do get frustrated," said Hodgson.

Zaha reacts after getting sent off (Getty)

"But I can't condone, unfortunately, the applauding of the referee. That is something you can't do."

The point takes Palace four points clear of the relegation zone in 15th place, with Fulham up next at Selhurst Park.