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Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has called for the FA to investigate the recent comments made by Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.

Following Palace's 1-0 victory over Huddersfield last Saturday, Zaha called for referees to offer him more protection. 

The Ivorian has been on the receiving end of a number of rough challenges from opposition defenders in recent weeks, leading to his outburst during a post-match interview. 

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Zaha said, as per the Northern Echo: “I feel like before anyone gets a red, I’d have to get my leg broken or something. Why am I getting different treatment from other players?”

Prior to Newcastle's clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday, which ended 0-0, Benitez discussed Zaha's comments and called for the FA to investigate the forward's claim.

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"I am surprised because normally the FA deal with these comments." Benitez said. "I have a lot of confidence with Andre Marriner. He has a lot of experience, even if his record with our players is not that great in terms of red cards. He is an experienced referee.

“He (Zaha) is a good player, no doubt about that, but I think the FA have to deal with his comments. But I don’t think Andre Marriner will have this in the back of his head.”

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Zaha played in Saturday's clash but was unable to help the Eagles break down their opponents as the Magpies sat back and collected a crucial point.