'Goal should have been allowed' - PGMOL insider blames Emi Martinez as Brentford wrongly penalised
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(Credit: Imago/NBC Sports)
Jack Heath
Sat 23 August 2025 17:24, UK
Brentford had a goal wrongly ruled out after Emi Martinez collided with Sepp van den Berg in the penalty area.
Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider his verdict on a questionable piece of refereeing and goalkeeping in the game between Brentford and Aston Villa.
After an awful display in a 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, the Bees bounced back thanks to a 1-0 dogged performance against the Villains.
New signing from Bournemouth Dango Ouattara latched on to Caoimhin Kelleher‘s long-range kick to grab his first goal on his debut at the Gtech Stadium.
Unai Emery continues to be frustrated by the disjointed nature of his attack as his side has failed to score in both of their two Premier League matches thus far.
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This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
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After the former Bournemouth winger found the back of the net in the 12th minute, the Bees thought they had a second in the 43rd minute.
Midfield magician Mikkel Damsgaard latched on to a loose ball in the box after Argentina World Cup winning keeper Martinez appeared to drop the ball.
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However, the decision was ultimately in foul in Villa’s favour, ruling out the goal as the referee adjudged Van den Berg to have fouled the South American when challenging for the ball in the air.
Even though, from a neutral perspective, it seemed that the 32-year-old had dropped the ball rather than being penalised.
The World Cup winner was lucky to get away with this call (Credit: Getty Images)
A goal that was wrongly disallowed, Hackett completely disagreed with the on-field decision made by the referee.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider the former referee Hackett said: “[Emi] Martinez leaps for the ball and through his decision he fails to gain possession.
In doing so he is in contact with the forward.
“This goal should have been allowed.