Credit: Brentford YouTube / Imago / Sky Sports Football

Harri Burton

Mon 18 August 2025 17:44, UK

Antoni Milambo could have given away a penalty during Brentford’s defeat to Nottingham Forest, according to Keith Hackett.

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The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, after a VAR review, Peter Bankes made the right call to award a corner rather than a penalty against the Bees.

Ibrahim Sangare was punished for a handball offence, which Igor Thiago was able to take advantage of to score from a spot-kick, but it was nothing more than a consolation goal on Sunday, 17 August.

In this situation, with the score only 1-0 to the Reds, Elliot Anderson‘s powerful free-kick in the 36th minute struck Milambo’s arm, diverting the midfielder’s cross out for a corner, and the City Ground cried out for a penalty.

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

Milambo’s handling of the ball inside the penalty area, while in a one-man wall, was seen differently by Bankes and the VAR officials, however, and the home supporters were stunned by the decisions.

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Chris Wood kick-started his 2025/26 campaign with a brilliant brace, while Dan Ndoye’s smart header was sandwiched by the New Zealand international’s efforts in the opening 45 minutes.

The Reds narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification last season, finishing just a single point behind fifth-place Newcastle United, and Nuno Espirito Santo‘s team will be hoping to avoid similar heartbreak.

With Espirito Santo’s side eventually winning the game 3-1, it was not a decision which had a drastic impact on the game, but it could have been a major talking point on a different day for Forest.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “It’s one of those that could go either way, because there’s a degree of subjectivity.

I think the reason they’ve not given it is distance. 

“I’m unsure why VAR have come in on that one in the first place.



Elliot Anderson wanted the penalty to be given following his free-kick.

It’s certainly easier to give than not give, so it could have been awarded, but he didn’t. The referee waved it away, and I’ll happily go with that decision.

Following their first win of the 2025/26 campaign, Forest next face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, 24 August, a game which is likely to set off fireworks after recent European events.

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