Brighton’s Joao Pedro sparked debate after escaping a red card for a thrown elbow during the Seagulls’ 0-0 draw with Brentford at the Amex Stadium.
The Premier League later clarified the decision, but not before it drew ire from fans and pundits alike.
The flashpoint occurred when Brentford’s Yehor Yarmolyuk tugged at Pedro’s jersey, prompting the Brighton forward to swing an elbow in frustration.
Despite replays confirming Pedro’s action, referee Andy Madley opted for no card, a decision upheld by VAR official Chris Kavanagh, who deemed it not a “clear and obvious error.”
The Premier League Match Centre explained the decision on X (formerly Twitter): “VAR confirmed the referee’s call as not clear and obviously wrong, hence no red card was issued.”
Brentford boss Thomas Frank didn’t hold back, calling it “a clear red card.” He told Amazon Prime, “You can’t swing your arm like that, hit or no hit, it’s violent conduct by definition.”
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler countered, defending Pedro’s actions as an attempt to “get free from someone.”
Adding to the controversy, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg offered a nuanced take, calling Pedro’s elbow more of a “gesture” than an attempted strike, which may have swayed the officials’ judgment.
The decision overshadowed a game where Brentford’s Yoane Wissa saw a first-half goal ruled out by VAR for offside, and debutant goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson impressed after replacing an injured Mark Flekken.
The draw leaves Brighton winless in six games, sitting 10th in the league, with Brentford just behind in 11th
