Mark Clattenburg has offered his view on Cody Gakpo’s penalty claim in Liverpool’s 3-2 loss to Brentford
Liverpool were once again left frustrated on Saturday after falling to another disappointing Premier League defeat, a result that pushed them further down the table.
Arne Slot’s side now sit in seventh place, with Arsenal seven points clear at the top as the Reds’ early title ambitions continue to fade.
Despite the loss being deserved based on performance, the game wasn’t without controversy — and one particular moment involving Cody Gakpo sparked plenty of debate.
Late in the first half, Gakpo went down in the box after a challenge from Nathan Collins, leaving Liverpool’s players and bench convinced they should have been awarded a penalty.
However, the referee waved play on, and the incident went unchecked by VAR. Liverpool eventually went on to lose 3-2, adding to their growing frustrations.
Mark Clattenburg Defends Referee’s Decision on Gakpo Incident
After the match, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg offered his verdict on the situation, insisting the referee made the right call to deny the penalty.
Speaking on the Beyond the Back Four podcast, Clattenburg explained: “I’ve analysed this many times. Nathan Collins goes to make a challenge for the ball and his leg is already planted. What Cody Gakpo does is anticipate the contact.”
He added: “Because Collins doesn’t make a second movement toward Gakpo, it’s clear that Gakpo jumps expecting contact. When you see a player raise his arms while falling, that’s often a giveaway that he’s anticipating rather than reacting to a foul.”
Clattenburg concluded by saying: “Sometimes referees don’t get the praise they deserve. This was a very, very good decision.”
Gakpo’s Poor Form Could Cost Him His Starting Spot
Gakpo’s season so far has been one of missed opportunities and frustration. After hitting the post three times against Manchester United earlier this month, his final-third efficiency continues to be a problem.
The Dutchman was substituted after 61 minutes against Brentford for Federico Chiesa, and despite Slot’s preference for inverted wingers, Liverpool’s system has looked out of sync.
If Gakpo’s performances don’t improve, he risks losing his place in the starting XI — something that would have seemed unthinkable after Luis Diaz’s move to Bayern Munich.
Many expected Gakpo to thrive in Diaz’s absence and ease the creative load on Mohamed Salah, but neither winger has hit top form. Unless both rediscover their spark soon, Liverpool’s 2025/26 campaign could unravel completely.