Crystal Palace manager confused by referee’s decision to call out Eze’s free-kick in Brentford defeat.

Oliver Glasner said he was astonished when referee Sam Barrott ruled out Eberechi Eze’s magnificent free kick in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 loss to Brentford on Sunday afternoon.

Greenwich-born Eze believed he had given Palace the lead midway through the first half with a fantastic free kick that beat Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

However, Barrott disallowed the goal due to an infringement within the area, which involved Will Hughes and Nathan Collins.

Bryan Mbeumo gave the Bees the lead in the 29th minute, breaking away on a counter-attack and squared up to Marc Guehi before curling a shot past Dean Henderson inside the area.

Palace pulled level when Daniel Munoz met Tyrick Mitchell’s cross at the back post, forcing Ethan Pinnock to turn the ball past Mark Flekken.

Brentford recovered the lead and clinched the game in the 76th minute, when Yoane Wissa converted a shot after Dean Henderson stopped Nathan Collins’ effort.

“I believe everyone was startled that the referee blew his whistle so early, but I won’t protest because the decision had already been decided.

“In this moment, he made the decision. We felt it was a goal, but the regulations state that when the ball is in play and the referee blows his whistle, it does not count.

“This is how it is. We had numerous other opportunities to take the lead in the first half, but we didn’t.”There were numerous occasions when we thought we had a finish or a chance, but we missed the perfect time. We performed better in the second half, but it wasn’t enough today.

Eze told Match of the Day after the game that referee Barrott conceded to the England attacker that he had made a mistake.

Glasner continued: “It demonstrates that the referee is a decent character and a kind guy.

“You can always find an excuse or explain to the players that making mistakes is part of the game.

“I made blunders today, as well. To admit that he made a mistake demonstrates his greatness as a man.

“But it doesn’t change anything.”