Liverpool Penalty Should Not Have Stood v Brighton: Ex-Ref

In the aftermath of Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Brighton in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round at Anfield on February 14, 2026, controversy surrounds the penalty awarded to Mohamed Salah that sealed the result. Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has ruled that the penalty should not have stood, sparking debate over the decision's validity[1].

Curtis Jones opened the scoring just before halftime with his first goal in over a year, a clever half-volley from Milos Kerkez's cross, ghosting into the box from his makeshift right-back role amid Liverpool's injury woes[3]. Dominik Szoboszlai doubled the lead shortly after the break with his fifth goal in eight matches, finishing a fluid team move initiated by Cody Gakpo[3][4]. Salah then converted from the spot for his seventh goal of the season, his second since November[3].

The penalty incident involved Salah barging past Brighton's Ferdi Kadioglu before being tripped by Pascal Gross. Clattenburg, analyzing the play, argued it did not meet the criteria for a spot-kick, claiming Salah initiated excessive contact[1]. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler echoed this in his post-match press conference, vehemently stating, "that's never ever a penalty," insisting it was a poor decision despite officials' conviction[2].

Brighton had chances to level, with Jack Hinshelwood heading over and Diego Gómez denied by Alisson Becker, who also survived a nervy moment when Gómez charged down his clearance[3]. Hurzeler noted his side's big opportunities but lack of clinical finishing compared to Liverpool's quality, urging realism amid a tough spell and explaining squad rotation left players like Matt O'Reilly out[2].

Liverpool progressed to the fifth round, with Jones proving his worth amid transfer speculation, but the penalty call remains a flashpoint, highlighting ongoing VAR and refereeing scrutiny in cup ties[1][3].

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