'Looking at the clip...' - Ex-PGMOL chief shares 'reality' of Sunderland vs Brentford controversy

Thomas Bramall and VAR had no choice but to disallow Dan Ballard's opening goal in the 1-1 draw between Brentford and Sunderland.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the officials applied the law correctly at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Supporters were left waiting for three minutes while the centre-half's strike was checked for offside, with Kevin Danso adjudged to have blocked Caoimhin Kelleher's view.

After a long VAR review, the goal was finally overturned, leaving the Black Cats rather frustrated, and even more so when Brentford took the lead.

Vitaly Janelt fired home the game's eventual opener, with Enzo Le Fee netting from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute to secure a point on the road.

The incident continues to cause debate online, but one former chief of the PGMOL has supported the final decision, despite the length of the check.

Dan Ballard's strike correctly ruled out for Sunderland

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett supported VAR's check of the goal, arguing that Kelleher may have saved the shot given the chance.

"I think this is clearly the correct judgment to rule that the player in an offside position has interfered with his opponent," he said.

"And when we look at that clip, we have to look at saying about the goalkeeper, 'Could he have moved?' Yes, he could.

"But the reality is that he was unable to see the ball and the feet when that kick was taken, and we're talking about fractions of a second here.

"In the application of the law, the match officials were correct in ruling this goal out for interfering with an opponent. Distance sometimes plays a part.

"Had the goalkeeper had the vision that he ought to have had, then in that situation, he may have made a save, but he didn't.

"He's no chance of seeing it; his pathway is blocked by the player who's in an offside position, so I think that was a relatively easy decision."

Brentford also left disappointed in 1-1 draw

Regis Le Bris' side were not the only one facing a frustrating decision at the Gtech Stadium, with the Bees also seeing a goal ruled out.

This decision was also an easy decision, though, as Jaidon Anthony bundled the ball out of Robin Roefs' hands and into the back of the net.

Then, in the 82nd minute, Keane Lewis-Potter was punished for dragging Wilson Isidor to the ground, which some may have deemed a very soft foul.

Nonetheless, Le Fee was on hand to bury the spot-kick, with the points having to be shared away from the Stadium of Light.