Ex-PGMOL chief drop strong opinion on to not give Liverpool a penalty for Gakpo incident

Former PGMOL chief expresses strong opinion against awarding Liverpool a penalty for the Gakpo incident

Keith Hackett provides his verdict on Simon Hooper’s decision after reassessing Cody Gakpo’s penalty appeal

Simon Hooper made the correct decision to dismiss Cody Gakpo’s penalty appeal during the first half of Liverpool’s match against Brentford on Saturday night.

This assertion comes from Keith Hackett, the former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, who exclusively informed Football Insider that Hooper was in a good position to observe that there was minimal contact between Cody Gakpo and Nathan Collins as Gakpo fell in the penalty area.

Brentford took an early lead when Dango Ouattara capitalized on a long throw from Michael Kayode, intensifying Liverpool’s concerns about facing a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat.

Kevin Schade increased the hosts’ lead just before halftime by finishing a well-executed counter-attack, but Milos Kerkez quickly responded for the Reds, scoring at the back post during first-half stoppage time.

In the second half, the hosts extended their lead with a penalty as Newcastle target Igor Thiago maintained his impressive scoring form, while Liverpool believed they were entitled to a penalty of their own in the first half.

Gakpo sought a penalty following a challenge from Nathan Collins.

Despite being two goals down, Liverpool created several opportunities in the first half and felt they should have been awarded a penalty just before Schade’s goal when Gakpo went down under pressure from Collins.

Although Gakpo made a strong case and the initial impression suggested he had been fouled, Hooper found nothing wrong with the challenge and allowed play to continue as VAR reviewed and confirmed the decision.

Gakpo has been struggling with his form lately, and his eagerness to earn a penalty against Brentford was evident, as replays indicated that there was indeed only minimal contact between him and the Bees’ captain.

Was the referee justified in not awarding a penalty for the challenge on Cody Gakpo?

The Premier League’s X statement explaining the no-penalty decision reads: “The referee’s decision of no penalty for Liverpool was reviewed and validated by VAR – concluding that Collins did not foul Gakpo.”

Hackett commends Hooper and VAR for adhering to the correct protocol.

In an exclusive conversation with Football Insider regarding the penalty incident, former PGMOL chief Hackett lauded Hooper, who had to leave the game due to injury at half-time, and supported his choice not to award a penalty.

He remarked: “Referee Simon Hooper was in an optimal position to observe any contact that would warrant a penalty kick.

“Honestly, there is no definitive proof that any contact occurred, and thus, without such evidence, VAR appropriately chose not to intervene.

“Decisions like these gain credibility when the referee is close to the action, allowing for an accurate assessment of what transpired.

“Without clear evidence of contact, a penalty kick should not be awarded.