Do you dismiss the possibility that there is corruption in the EPL, despite the fact that it has been proven in cricket, tennis, snooker and in other world football leagues?
It's corruption. PGMOL refs are in the pocket of, most likely, betting syndicates. I know some will ridicule this theory but it's been proven in cricket, tennis and snooker. The football betting markets are the biggest in the world, especially in Asia. Why would football NOT be targetted?
It's corruption, not incompetence. I suspect the betting syndicate pulling the strings had big money on Brighton not to win, so the ref and VAR were under instructions to facilitate it. Unfortunately for them and their masters they were unable to concoct a draw by means of a penalty or a VAR...