The former Premier League referee has settled the debate everyone’s still arguing about but there’s a twist Liverpool supporters won’t want to hear
Nottingham Forest walked away from Anfield with a hard-fought point against Liverpool — but it’s not the result that has the football world talking. It’s one controversial refereeing decision that’s still dividing opinion days later.
Now, one of the most respected voices in officiating has finally weighed in.
A Anfield Thriller Ends in Controversy
Forest twice took the lead against Liverpool, with Dan Ndoye breaking the deadlock inside the first 24 minutes before Morgan Gibbs-White converted from the spot in the second half, restoring Forest’s advantage after Alexander Isak had levelled things up. Victor Munoz eventually rescued a point for the hosts with just eight minutes remaining.
But it was referee Sam Barrott’s decision to award Forest that crucial second-half penalty that has dominated the headlines ever since — and now, former FIFA and Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has delivered his definitive verdict.
Clattenburg’s Verdict: Forest Were Right — But There’s a Catch
Speaking exclusively to Nottingham Forest News, Clattenburg confirmed that the penalty award was correct — but revealed a crucial detail that Liverpool fans are unlikely to want to hear.
According to Clattenburg, a foul throw should technically have been spotted before the penalty incident ever took place. However, he explained why VAR couldn’t step in to correct it:
“The award of the penalty to Nottingham Forest, Liam Delap took a throw-in, which was illegal, as he had one foot in the air. However, VAR cannot interfere in such cases, as it’s against the protocol, so Michael Oliver, the VAR, could only look at the award of the penalty.”
Clattenburg then turned his attention to the penalty decision itself, defending referee Sam Barrott’s call:
“The referee was right to award the penalty even if some describe it as harsh or soft, as there is a contact by Alisson on Williams after he had played the ball, and it’s irrelevant if the ball has gone before contact was made as long as the ball was in play at the time of the contact.”
A Growing Pattern at Anfield
This result means Forest are now unbeaten in their last three visits to Anfield — a run that’s clearly starting to get under Liverpool’s skin. Alisson’s frustration boiled over in the aftermath, with the goalkeeper seen kicking the fourth official’s board in protest, while Liverpool fans have been vocal in their anger over the decision ever since.
The Bigger Picture
Clattenburg’s assessment paints a nuanced picture — Forest got a fortunate break by avoiding scrutiny over the foul throw, but the penalty itself was, in his expert opinion, the correct call. For a Forest side that has often found decisions going against them when facing the Premier League’s traditional heavyweights, this is one they’ll happily take.
Whether Liverpool fans accept Clattenburg’s verdict is another matter entirely — but with a genuine ex-Premier League official weighing in, the debate may finally be settled.
