Why was Eberechi Eze's goal against Brentford ruled out? Premier League explains why VAR was unable to intervene

Eberechi Eze was controversially denied a wonder goal during Crystal Palace's opening Premier League game against Brentford.

Eze found the net at the near post with a stunning set-piece after catching Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken completely off guard.

Celebrations erupted in the away section of the Gtech Community Stadium but were immediately cut short when the referee blew his whistle.

Referee Sam Barrott had detected an infringement in the penalty area with Will Hughes He was adjudged to have committed a foul against Nathan Collins.

He awarded a free-kick to Brentford, however replays showed there was very little contact between Hughes and Collins.

And fans were left questioning the decision to call a foul, asking for the VAR to intervene and overturn it and give Eze his goal.

But Barrott, who is taking charge of his first Premier League game, blew his whistle before the ball had even hit the back of the net.

That meant that the VAR could not intervene and change the decision on the goal, making the decision on the foul final.

The Premier League's new Match Centre account on X then explained the decision behind the incident, confirming that this was 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 a 'serious undetected incident' in relation to:

• Target/non-target
• Penalty/No Penalty
• Direct red card (not second warning)
• Mistaken identity when the referee cautions or sends off the wrong player from the offending team

Since the goal was not called on the field but rather a foul, the VAR was unable to intervene and help the referee.

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To make matters worse, Crystal Palacebut then they would concede the goal just moments later at the other end.

Bryan Mbeumo scored the opener for Brentford just before the half-hour mark, giving the hosts a half-time lead.

This sparked much debate over the decision and the referee was criticised for blowing the whistle too early.

Speaking to Sky Sports at half-time, Jamie Redknapp said: “The referee has had a nightmare. It's a monumental mistake.

“I should let him breathe. I'm not even sure it's a foul.

“I'm very sorry for Eze, it's great what he did here. The referee is getting too involved. Don't get involved, let the game breathe.”

“I could have run after him if I wanted to, but to do it so quickly… I really feel sorry for Eze.”

Palace equalised in the second half thanks to an own goal from Ethan Pinnock, but Brentford later regained the lead.

Yoane Wissa headed home to give the hosts a 2-1 lead late on.