IPSWICH Town boss Roy Keane was disappointed with the way his team responded to Jon Stead's sending off, in terms of their second-half performance, following the 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.

Carl Marston

IPSWICH Town boss Roy Keane was disappointed with the way his team responded to Jon Stead's sending off, in terms of their second-half performance, following the 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.

There was no late festive cheer for Town, despite Jaime Peters' opening goal on 19 minutes.

An equaliser from Jose Fonte was quickly followed by Jon Stead's harsh red card, and second-half goals from Neil Danns and Victor Moses wrapped up the points for Palace.

Keane said: "I don't want to talk all day about referees. That decision went against us, but it was all about the way we reacted to the sending off.

"I felt we should have reacted better. Today was all about character, and how we stepped up to the plate.

"I'm not happy with the way we lost, but at least I've learnt about certain aspects of our game," added Keane.

This was Town's first defeat in 11 games.

Palace manager Neil Warnock was not afraid to admit that he didn't think Stead should have been sent off.

"It was not a red card," admitted Warnock.

"I expected it to be red, but I didn't think it was a red card. I know Paul Taylor quite well, so I thought he would send him off.

"But Jon Stead is not that sort of lad. He was disappointed to lose the ball, but it was just a one-footed challenge with studs showing."