Steve Parish says he does not know how Marouane Fellaini stays on the pitch after committing what he sees as repeated fouls.

The Manchester United midfielder was involved in several tussles with Mile Jedinak during Saturday’s FA Cup final, which United eventually won 2-1.

Parish insists Palace skipper Jedinak put in a “fantastic” display against the Belgian, but raised his confusion at how he escaped with further punishment.

Palace’s goalscorer, Jason Puncheon, was fuming with Fellaini after the giant appeared to deliver an elbow to his face in extra-time.

When asked whether he was surprised Puncheon did not start the final, Palace co-owner Parish said: “No, because I think Jedi did such a good job on Fellaini.

“We are a little bit small in midfield with Macca [James McArthur] and Yohan [Cabaye]. Fellaini at number 10 is such a threat.

“I thought Mile was fantastic with him.”

He added: “I do not think I have ever seen a player, every contact with Fellaini is a foul. He just fouls.

“How he stays on the football pitch for most games is beyond me.

“You have to deal with it. I thought Mile did really well. We dealt with that threat really well, except for the last ball for the goal.

“That is why he played. I thought it was a good move by the manager.

“When Jason came on and scored I thought perfect, a great substitution. It was not meant to be and it is hard to take.”

After a goalless first half, Palace took an unlikely lead with 12 minutes remaining through Croydon-born Puncheon.

But the Eagles’ delight was short-lived as Juan Mata fired United level just three minutes later.

Despite going a man down in extra-time – Chris Smalling was shown a second yellow card for dragging Yannick Bolasie to the floor – it was the Red Devils who found the winner through a stunning Jesse Lingard strike.

Parish could not hide his disappointment but admitted United deserved to lift the cup.

“It was not our day. Everything about the day, apart from the result, was perfect really,” he said.

“I really feel for the supporters. It is almost better if you get beaten 3-0.

“When Smalling got sent off you think it is going to be our day. But they played well and probably deserved it really.”

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