Why was Eberechi Eze’s goal ruled out against Brentford? Premier League explain reason VAR could not intervene
Eberechi Eze was controversially denied a wondergoal during Crystal Palace's 2-1 defeat to Brentford in their Premier League opener.
Eze found the net in the first half with a stunning set-piece after catching Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken completely off guard.
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Celebrations erupted in the away end at the Gtech Community Stadium, but they were instantly cut short as the referee had blown his whistle.
Official Sam Barrott had spotted an infringement in the penalty area with Will Hughes adjudged to have fouled Nathan Collins.
He awarded a free-kick to Brentford, however, replays showed that there was very minimal contact between Hughes and Collins.
And fans were left questioning the decision to award a foul, asking for VAR to intervene and overturn it and give Eze his goal.
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But Barrott had blown his whistle before the ball hit the back of the net.
So, that meant that VAR could not step in and change the decision on the goal, making the on-field decision on the foul final.
The Premier League's new Match Centre account on X then explained the ruling behind the incident, confirming this to be the case.
According to FA rules: "The referee may be assisted by a video assistant referee (VAR) only in the event of a 'clear and obvious error' or 'serious missed incident' in relation to:
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- Goal/no goal
- Penalty/no penalty
- Direct red card (not second caution)
- Mistaken identity when the referee cautions or sends off the wrong player of the offending team
So as the goal wasn't awarded on-field and the foul was instead, VAR was not able to step in and assist the referee.
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To make matters worse for Crystal Palace, they would then go on to concede only moments later at the other end.
Bryan Mbeumo curled in the opener for Brentford just before the half-hour mark, giving the hosts a half-time advantage.
It led to a major debate over the decision and the referee has been criticised for blowing too early.
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Speaking on Sky Sports at half time, Jamie Redknapp said: "The referee has had a nightmare. It's a monumental mistake.
"He should just let it breathe. I'm not even sure it's a foul.
"I feel so sorry for Eze, it's genius what he does here. The referee is just getting too involved. Stay out of it, let the game breathe.
"He could have blown after if he wanted to but to do it so quickly, I really feel so sorry for Eze."
Crystal Palace would equalise in the second half through an own goal from Ethan Pinnock, but Brentford then regained the lead.
Yoane Wissa tapped home to give the hosts a 2-1 advantage late on and that is how the game ended.
It meant Palace began their new top-flight campaign with a loss, but they'll feel as if it could have been a different outcome if Eze's goal was given.
Speaking after the game, Glasner revealed that the referee admitted he made a mistake, which he accepted.
Glasner said: "It shows he has a good character and is a good guy.
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"We can always find excuses.
"Part of the game is to make mistakes. Shows he’s a great man to say, 'yes, I made a mistake.'"
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