Exclusive: Simon Hooper hailed as Liverpool vs Wolves footage analysed
Keith Hackett has praised referee Simon Hooper for a major decision made in the Liverpool victory over Wolves.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Hooper was in an ideal position to pass verdict on the incident that led to Luis Diaz winning a spot-kick for Arne Slot‘s side.
Amid speculation over a move away from Liverpool in the summer for Diaz, the Colombian gave his side the lead when he bundled in from close range with 15 minutes on the clock on Sunday (16 February).
He would then earn his side the chance to double their advantage from the spot shortly before half-time, despite some protestations from the visitors.
Luis Diaz wins Liverpool penalty despite push claim
After Wolves defender Emanuel Agbadou miscontrolled a ball on the edge of his own area, Diaz was able to rob his opponent of possession and break into the penalty area.
He was then brought down by goalkeeper Jose Sa inside the box, prompting Hooper to award a penalty for Liverpool.
Wolves though argued that Diaz had pushed Agbadou when winning the ball from him, seemingly wanting the penalty to be overturned in favour of a free-kick in their favour.
VAR though elected not to intervene after checking for a push, which allowed Mo Salah to convert from the spot.
Despite Matheus Cunha’s second half strike, that proved enough to secure another win for Liverpool.
Now Hackett has confirmed that the decision not to overturn that penalty for a push on Agbadou was the correct one.
Keith Hackett reacts to Luis Diaz penalty award
Speaking to Football Insider about that first-half penalty awarded to Liverpool, the former referee said:
“VAR will check automatically now a penalty kick award or a goal, they just do an automatic check.
“In fairness to Simon Hooper he was in a great position, he gave it in a positive manner, so it was a good call, it was a good piece of refereeing.”
The rest of the game would see Slot’s side have both a goal and penalty overturned on review, while Ibrahima Konate was substituted at half-time for Liverpool after narrowly avoiding a second yellow card.
Even so, victory in that game means Liverpool have maintained their seven-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, with 13 games left to be played.