Eze: Referee Admitted Mistake Over Disallowed Goal

Eberechi Eze scored directly from a wide free-kick when the match was goalless, but referee Sam Barrott had already blown for a foul after Will Hughes clashed with Nathan Collins.

Since the whistle was blown before the ball crossed the line, the video assistant referee (VAR) couldn't intervene to review Hughes' challenge and potentially overrule the on-field decision.

Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports that they saw no foul by Hughes.

Brentford capitalized moments later by taking the lead and went on to win the match 2-1.

"I was told [by the referee] that he blew too early and made the mistake," Eze told BBC Match of the Day. "It could have changed the game but we have to deal with it."

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner praised Barrott for admitting his error, saying it showed he "is a great man."

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'A stinker' and a 'nightmare' decision

This season, the Premier League match centre's external X account is providing "near-live" explanations of VAR decisions.

It posted: "The referee awards a free-kick to Brentford for a foul by Hughes on Collins. The whistle was blown before the ball entered the goal, so VAR cannot intervene and the referee’s call stands."

Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp criticized the decision, saying Barrott "had a nightmare" for blowing his whistle too early, while ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards called it a "stinker."

"It's a monumental mistake; he should have let it breathe," Redknapp told Sky Sports. "I'm not sure it is a foul, he could have waited before blowing the whistle."

Richards agreed, stating, "Collins has got hold of him; it's not a foul." He also noted, "We can't be too harsh on Barrott; he made a mistake."

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