Scott Dann has defended teammate Dwight Gayle after the striker received a red card in the 3-1 defeat to West Ham on Saturday.

The 26-year-old, who has started the last three Premier League games, was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the first half with the score poised at 1-1.

The Eagles, down to ten men, faced a barrage of West Ham attacks in the second half and succumbed to two late goals.

But when asked about Gayle’s dismissal, Dann said: “I think he’ll learn and it’s never easy.

“He hasn’t played much this season, he wants to impress and he was trying to do his best for the team.

“Unfortunately he’s ended up getting sent off and we’ve ended up losing the game.

MORE: Watch Palace youngster score superb solo goal for Town

“Too much enthusiasm I would probably say.”

Gayle won a penalty in the 25th minute to get Palace back into the game after a slow start that saw Carl Jenkinson put the away side in front.

However, two minutes before the break Gayle received a second booking for a late challenge on West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate.

MORE: Pardew a contender for England job, insists Eagles defender

“I don’t think it was a bad challenge,” Dann added.

“When you look at it again you would probably say you didn’t need to make that challenge, you were on a yellow card but these things happen.

“It was a bit soft but you run the gauntlet when you’re already on a yellow card.”

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt