Published: 14:41, 30 October 2025 | Updated: 14:41, 30 October 2025

Mark Clattenburg has backed referee Simon Hooper's controversial decision to deny Liverpool a penalty against Brentford, claiming Cody Gakpo 'anticipated the contact' and went to ground looking for a spot-kick.

The Reds suffered a 3-2 defeat in west London on Saturday. In his post-match comments, a frustrated Arne Slot implied that 'every referee in the world' would have awarded his team a penalty for Nathan Collins' challenge.

The tackle on Dutch forward Cody Gakpo proved pivotal. Moments after the penalty appeal was waved away, Brentford doubled their lead to make it 2-0 just before half-time.

On the latest episode of Whistleblowers, Clattenburg praised Simon Hooper's split-second call, hailing it as 'one of the best decisions' the former referee has seen this season.

Mark Clattenburg has backed referee Simon Hooper's controversial decision to deny Liverpool a penalty against Brentford

A frustrated Arne Slot implied that 'every referee in the...