Liverpool manager Arn Slott has hinted that “every referee in the world” would have given his team a penalty after Nathan Collins challenged Cody Gakpo during Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Brentford.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg strongly supported Simon Hooper’s decision not to award Liverpool a penalty against Brentford. Clattenburg claims Cody Gakpo was “anticipating” a call from Nathan Collins, and Hooper got it right.
Liverpool suffered a 3-2 defeat on Saturday, adding to their dismal league record, having now lost six of their last seven games in all competitions. After the match, a furious Arn Slott suggested that “any referee in the world” would have awarded the Reds a penalty for Collins’ challenge.
However, Hooper waved off Liverpool’s appeal and soon Brentford doubled their lead with Kevin Shade’s goal to make it 2-0. Clattenburg spoke about the incident on the Whistle Blowers podcast, praising Hooper’s call as “one of the best decisions” he has seen this season.
“I’ve been heavily criticizing referees lately, but I’d like to praise Simon Hooper here,” Clattenburg began. “There are a few things the referee will look at.
“First, are the defender’s feet set up before the contact? That foot was already there. Second, look at the attacker’s arms. If you watch an elementary school student fall on the playground, they will automatically put their arm out to protect themselves.
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“Look at Gakpo’s reaction. His hands are up in the air, which shows he wants a call. He looks at Collins’ feet and anticipates it. That gives the top referee all the signs he needs to play.”
“It’s probably one of the best decisions I’ve seen this season. There’s a lot of pressure and it’s one of the biggest teams in the country. To make that decision in a split second is unbelievable.”
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Clattenburg wasn’t the only one who agreed with the decision. Video assistant referee Chris Kavanagh reviewed the challenge and agreed it should not have been a penalty.
Clattenburg went on to say that Gakpo’s fall had “clear signs” of diving. “If you fall, the natural human reaction is to put your arms out to protect yourself,” the former referee continued.
“If you don’t raise your hand, you’re going to hurt yourself. We’re looking for a natural reaction. That’s a clear sign.”
In the second half, another penalty was awarded against Liverpool, but this time by a different referee. Virgil van Dijk made contact with Brentford’s Dango Ouattara on the edge of the box, and substitute referee Tim Robinson, who replaced Hooper at half-time due to injury, was the first to award a free-kick.
However, VAR recognized that the challenge was made on the line, meaning it was inside the 18-yard box, and a penalty was therefore awarded. Igor Thiago made it 3-1, with Mo Salah giving Liverpool the lead late on.
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