Dean Smith believes his Aston Villa side were on the wrong end of ‘big decisions’ on his return to Griffin Park which ended in defeat.

Neal Maupay’s late winner served as a bitter blow to the former Bees boss who felt referee Gavin Ward missed at least one clear penalty.

In a game largely dominated by the home side, Smith felt particularly aggrieved a spot kick wasn’t given after Tammy Abraham appeared to be upended in the box in the second half.

“I’ve seen it, and seen it back since, some of the decisions this season have been pathetic,” said the man who spent three years with the West London outfit.

“They’re professional men and should be working hard to be in the right position to see them.

“We aren’t getting some of the big decisions.

“We should’ve had a penalty.

“We can’t control officials and we have to get on with our part of our game.”

'Three wonderful years'

The Villa manager received a warm reception from all sides of the ground as he made his entrance, and despite admitting feeling ‘frustrated’ and ‘disappointed’ with the result, he spoke highly of his stint with the Bees and the football they are playing.

“I had three wonderful years here, top people and supporters, it’s a really good football club and I enjoyed my time here but my job is Aston Villa now.

“Not many teams that will come here and play open and attacking football because they’ve got players who pass and move very well, good technical players who against top teams have been very good.”

The result leaves Aston Villa in tenth while Brentford climb to 15th, just four points behind their latest victims.

READ: Report: Brentford 1 Aston Villa 0

READ: Player Ratings: Brentford 1 Aston Villa 0