'All Of A Sudden' - Stefan Borson: Brentford Could Be in ‘Big Trouble’ Amid Brighton Claim

Brentford FC faces potential significant trouble following a controversial incident involving Brighton & Hove Albion's Joao Pedro, as analyzed by football pundit Stefan Borson. In a recent goalless draw at the Amex Stadium, Pedro astonishingly escaped a red card after swinging an elbow at Brentford midfielder Yehor Yarmolyuk, shortly after receiving a yellow for shirt-pulling. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher highlighted the VAR's decision not to intervene, noting Pedro "got so lucky" since the elbow missed and no evasive action was needed, closing the matter per protocol.^[1]

Borson warns this could spell big trouble for Brentford, amid claims of inconsistent officiating favoring Brighton. The Seagulls' defensive duo, Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke, lead in passes and carries but top booking charts, hinting at vulnerability. Brentford, buoyed by Igor Thiago's 17 goals—including a league-high six penalties—eyes revenge after Thiago's miss in November's 2-1 loss to Brighton.^[2]

Brighton's 2026 form has slumped to one win in 13 league games, plagued by self-inflicted errors like most penalties (five) and own goals (four) conceded. Manager Fabian Hurzeler remains defiant post-FA Cup exit, insisting his side won't "feel sorry for themselves."^[4] Yet, refereeing controversies persist: a prior Brentford-Brighton clash saw Joao Pedro sent off off-ball against Nathan Collins, with Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma scoring late before Christian Nørgaard sealed a 4-2 Bees win.^[2]

Ahead of their February 21 rematch at Brentford Community Stadium, where the Bees boast the best away points tally (nine) this year, Borson predicts refereeing scrutiny could derail Brentford's momentum. "All of a sudden, Brentford could be in big trouble," he claims, urging focus amid VAR debates and Brighton's error-prone defense.^[3] Thiago and Bryan Mbeumo's form positions Brentford to capitalize, but officiating claims loom large.

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