Ex-PGMOL chief calls out 'obvious error' over Joao Gomes incident in Aston Villa clash vs Brighton

Joao Gomes had several moments to forget in Aston Villa's embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Brighton on Sunday.

The Brazilian had arguably one of the most dramatic Premier League debuts of all time, but not for the right reasons.

He lost the ball several times in the middle of the park, with one of his most controversial moments being when he was dispossessed outside the box before Jack Hinshelwood fired in his second and Brighton's fourth.

Gomes was then shown a straight red card in the 40th minute after seemingly kicking out at Georginio Rutter.

Unai Emery will now be without the 25-year-old for the next three games, but he may have dropped him anyway without the red card.

However, one moment involving Gomes left former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett unhappy with a decision that went against Aston Villa.

Aston Villa to feel aggrieved after 'obvious error' in Joao Gomes incident

There was a VAR check after Brighton scored a controversial fourth goal, which saw Gomes robbed of possession on the edge of his own box.

While speaking exclusively to Aston Villa News, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett explained why the Villans should feel aggrieved with the goal that was given after a VAR check.

He said: "This goal should have been ruled out. The Villa player in possession of the ball on the edge of his penalty area was tripped by his opponent, and the ball ran to a Brighton player to score.

"It is a clear and obvious error, and VAR should have intervened and requested the referee to view a replay on the monitor."

There was a brief VAR check, though referee Peter Bankes was not called over to review the goal.

Had that not happened, Gomes may not have went on to be sent off, and the game could have looked slightly different.

Who is Unai Emery's solution to Gomes?

Boubacar Kamara was one of the only Villa players who could hold their heads high after the loss to Brighton, and Emery will now need to find the Frenchman a new midfield partner for the next three games.

With Amadou Onana and Johan Manzambi both injured, Lamare Bogarde becomes the obvious solution for Emery.

While Bogarde didn't always play well for the B6 side last season, it never got this bad, and the Dutchman will hope to take Gomes' place for the foreseeable future.