Explained: The controversial decision to exclude Eberechi Eze’s spectacular goal for Crystal Palace versus Brentford from a direct free-kick stemmed from the referee’s alleged “monumental mistake.”

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze scored a stunning goal against Brentford on Sunday but saw his effort controversially ruled out by the match referee.

Eze thought he had given Palace the lead against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday when he struck a wonderful free-kick past goalkeeper Mark Flekken. However, the goal was subsequently ruled out by match referee Samuel Barrott, sparking huge controversy and denying Eze his first Premier League goal of the season.

Eze took the kick quickly but while the ball was in the air the referee blew for a foul by Will Hughes on Nathan Collins before the Palace star’s effort had hit the back of the net. Barrott’s decision to blow before the ball had gone in meant that VAR were unable to intervene and the referee’s decision stood.

The decision left Crystal Palace players visibly frustrated, while manager Olivier Glasner cut an angry figure on the touchline.Jamie Redknapp felt the decision to disallow the goal was a huge error by the referee. He said: “The referee’s had a nightmare, he really has, it’s a monumental mistake. He should have just let it breathe. I’m not even sure it’s a foul first and foremost. I feel so sorry for Eze.

This is genius what he does here. The referee is just getting too involved, stay out of it, just let the game breathe. It’s a brilliant, brilliant piece of play. He could have blown after if he wanted to but to do it so quickly.

I really feel so sorry for Eze. It’s a brilliant, brilliant goal.”

Brentford went on to take the lead through Bryan Mbeumo but Palace hit back and equalised after the break from an own goal by Ethan Pinnock. The Eagles couldn’t hold on for a point, though, with Yoanee Wissa tapping home from close range in the 76th minute to give the hosts a memorable victory.