Former ref claims Hooper right not to give Gakpo penalty | OneFootball

Hackett Backs Hooper Over Gakpo Penalty Controversy

Former refereeing chief Keith Hackett has supported Simon Hooper’s decision to deny Liverpool a first-half penalty during their defeat at Brentford, insisting there was “no clear evidence” of contact involving Cody Gakpo.

The moment arrived at a critical point in the match, as Liverpool sought a response to Brentford’s early dominance. Yet while Gakpo’s fall in the area sparked vocal appeals from the away side, Hackett believes both Hooper and VAR handled the situation correctly.

Hooper’s Positioning Key to Decision

Hooper, who later left the field at half-time due to injury, was said to be in an ideal position to observe the incident between Gakpo and Brentford captain Nathan Collins. The forward appeared to go down after minimal contact, but Hooper waved play on, with VAR subsequently confirming the on-field call.

Hackett, speaking after reviewing the footage, praised Hooper’s composure and proximity to the action. “The referee was ideally positioned to detect any contact that might have warranted a penalty kick,” he said. “There was no clear evidence that any meaningful contact occurred, and therefore VAR was right not to intervene.”

The Premier League later released a brief statement reinforcing the referee’s decision: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Liverpool was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that there was no foul by Collins on Gakpo.”

Photo: IMAGO

Gakpo’s Frustrations Continue

The Dutch forward’s evening mirrored Liverpool’s wider struggles, as his attempts to influence the game often came to little. His appeals for a penalty reflected a player desperate to make an impact during a challenging run of form.

Replays suggested some degree of contact, but certainly not enough to warrant a penalty by modern standards. In Hackett’s view, the consistency of decision-making is crucial, particularly when the referee is well-placed to make the call himself. “These decisions are more credible when the referee is close to the play,” he explained. “Without clear evidence, you simply cannot award a penalty.”

Brentford had already punished Liverpool’s sluggish start with early goals from Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade, before Milos Kerkez struck back for the visitors. Yet even that lifeline was short-lived, as Igor Thiago converted from the spot in the second half to restore the home side’s advantage.

Refereeing Standards and VAR Protocol Praised

Hackett’s comments highlight a rare moment of harmony between referee and technology in a season where officiating has often faced scrutiny. He noted that Hooper and the VAR team had “followed protocol correctly” in maintaining the integrity of the decision-making process.

While controversy around officiating remains a common theme in Premier League discussions, Hackett’s assessment serves as a reminder that not every marginal call represents an error. In this instance, both referee and VAR acted in accordance with the laws and available evidence.

For Liverpool, however, frustration persists. Their defeat at Brentford marked another missed opportunity in a season that continues to test Arne Slot’s squad. For Gakpo, the focus must now shift from appeals to action, as he looks to rediscover the form that once made him a key attacking figure at Anfield.