Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze was left frustrated after a crucial error by referee Sam Barrott prevented him from scoring a remarkable goal in his team’s 2-1 loss to Brentford.
Early whistle halts goal, VAR unable to intervene
With the game still goalless, Eze delivered a wide free-kick that found the back of the net. However, Barrott had blown his whistle prior to the ball entering the goal, having called a foul on Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes for a challenge on Brentford’s Nathan Collins. As the whistle came before the goal, the video assistant referee (VAR) could not review the incident or challenge the on-field decision.
Both football pundits, Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp, expressed their belief that no foul had occurred in the challenge. Brentford soon capitalized on the situation by taking the lead, ultimately securing a 2-1 victory.
Referee admits mistake; reaction from Eze and Glasner
Speaking after the match, Eze revealed that Barrott had acknowledged the error, telling the midfielder that he had “blown too early” during the pivotal moment. Eze commented to BBC Match of the Day that the decision could have shifted the momentum of the game, but his team had no choice but to move on.