Ex-PGMOL chief questions Simon Hooper after Kieran Trippier incident vs Liverpool
Simon Hooper lost control of the highly eventful Premier League clash between Newcastle United and Liverpool when he failed to give a yellow card to Kieran Trippier for an early foul on Florian Wirtz.
Liverpool came away with a 3-2 victory over Newcastle on Monday, 25 August, with substitute Rio Ngumoha scoring the winner in the 10th minute of added time.
The game was not without its controversial moments, as Anthony Gordon was shown a red card for a badly timed challenge on Virgil van Dijk after a VAR check.
Meanwhile, the clash at St James’ Park played out amid the backdrop that Liverpool are keen to sign Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who remained absent for Eddie Howe’s men.
Kieran Trippier lucky to escape punishment for reckless challenge in Newcastle defeat to Liverpool
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
The first yellow card of Newcastle’s defeat to Liverpool came in the eighth minute, when Reds star Ryan Gravenberch was booked for fouling Bruno Guimaraes.
However, former England international Trippier was not punished for his late challenge on former Bayer Leverkusen ace Wirtz.
The clash between the North East outfit and the Merseyside club remained a tense affair, with Gordon receiving a red card just shy of half time.
Keith Hackett slams Simon Hooper for key decision in Newcastle v Liverpool clash
Former FIFA official Hackett weighed in on Hooper’s decision not to book Trippier and exclusively told Football Insider: “The referee is adopting a lenient approach and this reckless challenge frankly should have seen Trippier be issued with a yellow card.
“The referee is in danger of the control going away from him.”
Newcastle face Leeds United in their next Premier League game on Saturday, 30 August, whereas Liverpool host fellow title hopefuls Arsenal.