Jamie Redknapp criticizes ref for mistake in Crystal Palace match

In a dramatic turn of events during Crystal Palace's 2-1 loss to Brentford on Sunday, Eberechi Eze's remarkable free-kick was disallowed due to a premature whistle from referee David Barrott. The incident occurred midway through the first half when Eze's shot appeared to catch Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken off guard, seemingly giving Palace the lead. However, Barrott had already halted play after noticing a collision between Brentford's Nathan Collins and Palace's Will Hughes. The decision to blow the whistle before the ball crossed the line meant that VAR could not intervene, as the play had been stopped while the ball was still in motion. A statement from the Premier League's match centre highlighted the controversy, labeling the referee's quick decision as a "monumental mistake." The commentary expressed sympathy for Eze, emphasizing that the referee could have allowed the play to continue before making a judgment. Despite the setback, Palace's management acknowledged the nature of officiating, stating, "It's a game, you're going to make mistakes as a referee." They expressed hope that such errors would balance out over the course of the season. Barrott, who officiated his first Premier League match in October 2023, had previously gained recognition in the EFL, where VAR is not utilized, raising questions about his decision-making in high-stakes situations.