Exclusive: Everton-Man City referee in hot water with chiefs – ex-PGMOL official
Simon Hooper will be given advice after not showing a second yellow card to Everton left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko against Man City, Keith Hackett has said.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official did however say the referee is unlikely to lose his role overseeing Man United vs Newcastle on Monday (30 December).
There was drama as the two sides met at the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day, with Erling Haaland missing a penalty early in the second half as the match ended 1-1.
However, Man City seemingly missed out on being handed a man advantage in that incident which Hackett believes could lead to Hooper being spoken to without any repercussions.
Simon Hooper to be spoken to over red card call in Man City vs Everton
The spot kick was awarded to the hosts after Vitality Mykolenko had brought down Savinho just inside the Toffees’ penalty area.
Prior to half-time the Everton left-back had been shown a yellow card, but was not then given a second for conceding that penalty to Man City.
Hackett believes referee Hooper will be spoken to about the fact he did not give a second yellow to Mykolenko, but is unlikely to lose his next match assignment as a result of that.
Speaking to Football Insider about whether the official could be under scrutiny for not sending off the full-back, the former referee said:
“Not giving that second yellow card was an error and the referee needs to receive some operational advice.
“Interestingly Simon Hooper, the referee not giving that second yellow will be officiating Manchester United vs Newcastle United on the 30th December. I suggest that they will keep him on that game.”
Having failed to take advantage of that penalty award, Man City have now won just one of their last 13 games in all competitions as their form continues to falter.
Everton meanwhile have now secured draws with Arsenal, Chelsea and Pep Guardiola’s side in their last three games as Sean Dyche looks to make a case to keep his job after the takeover by the Friedkin Group.
In other news, a big claim has been made over Pep Guardiola’s future at Man City.
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