Eberechi Eze’s Disallowed Goal and the Limits of VAR Intervention
Eberechi Eze’s disallowed goal during Crystal Palace’s Premier League clash with Brentford has sparked debate over the role and limitations of VAR. In a match that could have taken a different turn, Eze’s stunning free-kick was ruled out due to a controversial decision by referee Samuel Barrott, a decision that VAR was powerless to overturn.
Eze scores a cheeky freekick but it was ruled out for an infringement in the box! ❌ pic.twitter.com/wVbXBc1teq
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 18, 2024
The Sequence of Events
It was a moment of brilliance that should have brought Crystal Palace the lead in their Premier League opener. Eze, known for his flair and precision, delivered a sublime free-kick that beat Brentford’s goalkeeper, Mark Flekken, only to see the goal disallowed. The reason? Referee Barrott had already blown his whistle for an alleged foul by Palace midfielder Will Hughes on Brentford’s Nathan Collins, just before the ball crossed the goal line.
This sequence of events left fans and pundits alike questioning the timing of the whistle and whether VAR could have intervened. According to the Premier League, the rules prevented VAR from overturning the decision because Barrott’s whistle had stopped play before the goal was scored.
VAR’s Limitations in Action
The Premier League clarified the situation, stating, “The whistle was blown before the ball entered the goal, so VAR cannot intervene, and the referee’s call stands.” This explanation aligns with the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) Laws of the Game, which stipulate that referees must make decisions as if VAR doesn’t exist, with the exception of clear attacking situations. In this case, Barrott’s decision was made too hastily, preventing any possibility of VAR overturning it.
#BRECRY – 26’
The referee awards a free-kick to Brentford for a foul by Hughes on Collins. The whistle was blown before the ball entered the goal, so VAR cannot intervene and the referee’s call stands.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) August 18, 2024
The timing of the whistle was the key issue. As pundit Jamie Redknapp pointed out, Barrott “had a nightmare” by making the call too quickly. Redknapp, along with fellow pundit Micah Richards, argued that the referee should have let the play continue and then made a decision. “If the referee doesn’t give it, we would not even be talking about it,” Redknapp summarised.
Impact on the Match
The disallowed goal became a turning point in the match. Just three minutes after the incident, Brentford took the lead through Bryan Mbeumo. Crystal Palace’s frustration deepened as they went on to lose 2-1, with Yoane Wissa scoring the winner for Brentford. Eze’s disallowed goal remained a key talking point, illustrating how a single refereeing decision can alter the course of a game.
Refereeing in the Spotlight
Barrott’s decision has once again highlighted the challenges faced by referees and the limitations of VAR. While technology has undoubtedly improved officiating, it cannot rectify decisions made too early by the referee. As Redknapp and Richards emphasised, referees must allow the game to flow, particularly in situations where a goal-scoring opportunity is imminent.
