Aston Villa fans, this one’s stinging hard. In what should have been a dream return for Tammy Abraham, the striker’s emotional equaliser against Brentford was chalked off by VAR – and former Premier League ref Dermot Gallagher is left astonished that it’s even a debate.
The incident happened during Aston Villa’s frustrating 1-0 home defeat to Brentford on February 1, 2026. Abraham, back on loan (or permanent return?) from Roma for his second spell at Villa Park, thought he’d leveled the scores in the second half with a clinical finish. The home crowd erupted… only for the goal to be ruled out after a lengthy VAR check.
What Actually Happened? The Build-Up Drama
VAR (Paul Tierney) intervened because the ball had gone out of play 19 seconds earlier in the move. Leon Bailey appeared to carry it over the line near the corner flag while down injured or challenging. Despite the long passage of play afterward (multiple passes, build-up), the officials deemed the phase started from an out-of-play ball – goal disallowed.
Brentford even released their own footage post-match showing the ball fully over the line, backing the call as “factual” per Premier League statements. Villa boss Unai Emery wasn’t having it, calling the decision “not fair” after a four-minute review that killed momentum.
Gallagher’s Verdict: “I’m Astonished This Is Controversial”
On Sky Sports’ Ref Watch (February 3, 2026), Dermot Gallagher – never one to shy from a hot take – was crystal clear:
“I’m astonished this is controversial. The ball went out of play. It’s a factual decision. VAR got it right – the goal should not have stood.”
He doubled down with Jamie O’Hara, bemused at the backlash. For Gallagher, it’s black-and-white: if the ball exits play, the phase resets – no goal, end of story. No subjectivity, no “benefit of doubt” for the attacking team.
Why Fans (and Emery) Are Still Livid
- Timing frustration: 19 seconds and several phases later? Many argue it’s too far back – “How far can VAR go?!” has been the cry on socials and fan forums.
- Abraham’s moment ruined: The striker’s return goal would have been iconic – denied by a technicality.
- Title implications: Villa were chasing top spots; dropping points at home to 10-man Brentford (Kevin Schade red card) hurt big time.
- VAR consistency: Fans point to similar incidents where refs “play on” – why so pedantic here?
Gallagher’s no-nonsense stance has split opinions: some praise the clarity (“Rules are rules”), others call it overly harsh (“Ruins the flow of football”).
Your Turn, Villans – Where Do You Stand?
Is Dermot Gallagher spot-on, or is this another example of VAR killing the game? Should the “out of play” rule have a time/phases limit? Would you have let it stand for “spirit of the game”?
Drop your hottest take below: Right call or robbery? Predict: Does this cost Villa in the title race? Share if you’re still raging about that 19-second ghost goal!
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Come on Villa – let’s hear it! Claret and blue army, sound off! 🟣🔵