‘This isn’t football’ – Aston Villa goal controversially ruled out as major question marks raised

Tammy Abraham was denied a dream return for Aston Villa after seeing his goal ruled out by VAR.

The striker found the back of the net on his first appearance since signing from Besiktas this week.

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Premier League

However, his joy would be short-lived after the officials controversially disallowed the goal.

Abraham had reacted quickest to convert from close range after Jadon Sancho’s strike was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.

Replays of the goal showed that the ball had appeared to go out of play earlier in the move.

Following a VAR review, it was deemed that Leon Bailey had been unable to keep the ball in play.

It was unclear whether an angle clearly showing whether the whole of the ball had fully crossed the line was available, though.

Reacting on GameDay Live, talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor exclaimed: “Villa Park are not happy.

“When you see the replay it does look like the whole ball is out, but come on… this isn’t football.”

Co-host Scott Minto was in agreement with the former Villa forward, adding: “I don’t think you can 100 per cent say the whole of the ball is over the whole of the line.”

Meanwhile, Sam Matterface said: “I don’t know how they’ve made that decision, how can they tell?”

In an explanation of why it was ruled out, the Premier League match centre said on X: “After VAR review, the referee overturned the on-field decision of goal to Aston Villa – with the ball deemed to be out of play within the attacking possession phase (APP).

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“Referee announcement: “After review, the ball is factually out of play, so the restart will be a throw-in to Brentford.”

talkSPORT has also contacted the PGMOL over the incident.

Villa had been trailing at the time of the disallowed goal after Dango Ouattara opened the scoring in first half stoppage time.

Brentford took the lead despite being reduced to 10 men following a red card for Kevin Schade.

The Bees forward was correctly dismissed by VAR after his kick out on Matty Cash was spotted upon review.

Discussing the sending off, Agbonlahor said: “Matty Cash has got in his head. His right foot into him. Definite red card.”

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Minto added: “You can’t do that. He was just a few inches away from where no man wants to be kicked.”

As for Abraham, the England international came straight into the starting line-up to replace the injured Ollie Watkins.

His Villa return followed an £18million arrival from Besiktas, who had made his loan move permanent prior to finalising his exit.

The 28-year-old previously spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Villa from Chelsea as he helped the club win promotion to the Premier League.

Abraham scored 26 goals in 40 appearances for the club during his first spell at Villa Park.