Why Cody Gakpo Didn’t Receive a Penalty in Brentford vs Liverpool Premier League Match Explained
In a match filled with contentious moments, Liverpool faced Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, where a crucial penalty incident went unpunished. The Premier League has since clarified the reasoning behind the decision not to grant a penalty for a collision involving Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo.
Overview of the Match Dynamics
On a day marked by critical officiating decisions, Liverpool struggled to find their footing. After an early goal from Brentford, Liverpool aimed to turn the tide, but their efforts were thwarted. Before the half-time whistle, Brentford doubled their lead, leaving Liverpool fans in despair.
Key Incident: Gakpo vs. Collins
The pivotal moment came just before Brentford’s second goal. Liverpool supporters were calling for a penalty after a collision between Cody Gakpo and Brentford’s captain Nathan Collins. Despite replays showing the collision, the decision remained contentious.
- Time of incident: Just seconds before Brentford’s second goal.
- Referee’s initial decision: No foul called on Collins by referee Simon Hooper.
- VAR confirmation: Reviewed and upheld the on-field decision.
Premier League’s Explanation
The Premier League took to social media to explain why no penalty was awarded. According to their statement, there was not enough evidence to classify Collins’ actions as a foul against Gakpo.
This marks another incident in a series of questionable refereeing decisions that have frustrated fans across the league. The narrative of “clear and obvious mistakes” has become a common theme, with many protesting the effectiveness of VAR in key moments.
Reactions from Fans and Experts
Liverpool fans expressed their outrage over the decision, citing inconsistency in officiating. Many feel the vague reasoning provided by the Premier League does little to clarify the situation.
In the context of the game, the failure to award a penalty may have significantly impacted Liverpool’s chances of equalizing before the break. Ultimately, the match concluded with Brentford securing a 2-0 victory.
