Liverpool boss Arne Slot implied that 'every referee in the world' would've awarded his team a penalty after Nathan Collins challenged Cody Gakpo during Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Brentford
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 26: Mark Clattenburg referees during "Baller League x Match Day 10" at Copperbox Arena on May 26, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Jordan Peck/Getty Images)
Mark Clattenburg has given his verdict(Image: Jordan Peck/Getty Images)
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Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has emphatically backed Simon Hooper's decision not to award Liverpool a penalty against Brentford. Clattenburg claims that Cody Gakpo 'anticipated the contact' from Nathan Collins and that Hooper got it spot on.
Liverpool suffered a 3-2 loss on Saturday to extend their miserable run in the league, while they've lost six of their last seven games in all competitions. Post-match, a furious Arne Slot suggested that 'every referee in the world' would've awarded the Reds a penalty for Collins' challenge.
But Hooper waved away Liverpool's appeals and soon Brentford doubled their lead, as Kevin Schade made it 2-0. Discussing the incident on the Whistleblowers podcast, Clattenburg hailed Hooper's call as 'one of the best decisions' that he's seen this season.
"I have been a big critic of referees recently, but I want to praise Simon Hooper here," Clattenburg began. "There's a couple of things a referee is going to look at.
"First, is the defender's leg planted before any contact. The leg was already there. The second is to look at the attacker's arms. If you watch a school child fall in the playground, they automatically put out their arms out to protect themselves.
"Watch Gakpo's reaction - his hands are in the air, and that tells me he's looking for the decision. He sees Collins' leg and anticipates it. That gives a top referee all the signs they need to play on.
"It's probably one of the best decisions I have seen this season. There's huge pressure, it's one of the biggest sides in the country. To make that decision in a split-second is incredible."
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Referee Simon Hooper looks on as and waves away call for a penalty as Cody Gakpo of Liverpool goes down under pressure from Nathan Collins of Brentford during the Premier League match between Brentford and Liverpool at Gtech Community Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo went down following a challenge from Nathan Collins
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It wasn't just Clattenburg that agreed with the decision either. Video assistant referee Chris Kavanagh reviewed the challenge and agreed that it shouldn't have been a penalty.
Clattenburg went on to say that Gakpo's fall had the 'telltale signs' of a dive. "If you fall, your natural reaction is to put your arms out to protect yourself," the ex-ref continued.
"If you don't put your hands up, you're going to hurt yourself. We're looking for natural reactions. That's a telltale sign."
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool complains to fourth official Simon Hooper during the Premier League match between Brentford and Liverpool at Gtech Community Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Referee Simon Hooper was replaced at half-time because of an injury
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In the second half, another penalty decision went against Liverpool - this time from a different official. Virgil van Dijk made contact with Brentford's Dango Ouattara on the edge of the box and substitute referee Tim Robinson, who'd replaced Hooper at half-time due to injury, initially awarded a free-kick.
But VAR picked up that the challenge was made on the line, meaning that it was inside 18-yard box and therefore a penalty. Igor Thiago stepped up and made it 3-1 before Mo Salah grabbed a late consolation for Liverpool.
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