Referee Andy Madley stuck to his guns to ignore a VAR review and deny Brighton a penalty in a 0-0 at Brentford which keeps them outside the European spots.

Madley was called to the review monitor in first-half added-time by VAR Michael Oliver after Lewis Dunk was hauled to the ground by Yoane Wissa inside his own area.

But he surprised many inside the Gtech Community Stadium by keeping with his on-field decision after ruling the Brighton defender had initiated contact.

That was the main talking point of a game with plenty at stake but little clear desire to commit to a victory which would have all-but secured Brentford’s safety, and taken Brighton back into the European positions.

Ivan Toney missed Brentford’s best chance of the game when he fired off-balance into Bart Verbruggen’s arms after half an hour, while Brighton failed to threaten until second-half added-time despite racking up 22 shots.

Danny Welbeck should have won the game in the second minute of stoppage-time when a flick-on sent him away over the half-way line.

His wayward finish allowed Brentford to move a point closer to safety, while Brighton remain behind West Ham and Newcastle in ninth.

More to follow…

What’s next?

Saturday 6th April 5:00pm


Kick off 5:30pm

Brentford play again on Saturday in the Premier League, travelling to Aston Villa; kick-off 3pm.

Brighton also play on Saturday Night Football, taking on Arsenal live on Sky Sports; kick-off 5.30pm.