'We all make mistakes': Eberechi Eze defends referee Samuel Barrott after disallowing a controversial goal

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has accepted an apology from referee Samuel Barrott after having an exquisite free-kick ruled out.

He England International thought he had broken the deadlock from 30 yards against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday.

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Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken expected Eze to whip in a cross from the right flank but the 26-year-old surprised him by firing in off the near post.

However, the whistle blew before the ball could hit the back of the net. Barrott blew the whistle for a foul about Brentford defender Nathan Collins by Will Hughes.

But despite replays showing there was minimal contact between the two, due to the whistle, the VAR was unable to overturn the original on-field decision and award the goal.

Palace's fury at the decision was compounded when Brentford took the lead through Bryan Mbuemo moments later.

Although Oliver Glasner's side equalised after the break, it was Thomas Frank's side who took all three points thanks to a fortunate goal from Yoane Wissa in the 76th minute.

And while Eze expressed his disappointment at the 2-1 defeat, he insisted that “we all make mistakes” as he defended Barrott for his controversial decision.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Eze said: “It was one of those games where if we'd got one I think we could have gone on and got more, but we needed to get the second goal.

“They are a good team and they made things difficult for us at times, but only in one of those games.

“The referee said he blew his whistle too early and made a mistake, so it's fair, we all make mistakes.

“But that was a goal that could have made the difference today.

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“A little (harsh) because as he said, it was a mistake.

“But listen, we had a lot of other chances to score today, especially me, so it was one of those days and we just moved on to the next.

“We know that if we play like we did today and keep creating chances, we will score more goals and beat other teams by a lot of goals.

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“We have to work a little on the counterattack because that's what they worked on and caused us problems.

“But today we put in a good performance and I'm sure it will turn out well.”

Palace's attention will now turn to another London derby against West Ham, who travel to Selhurst Park next Saturday.

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