Liverpool fans will be furious at Premier League announcement for Newcastle clash
Liverpool travel to Newcastle looking to continue their winning start to the new Premier League campaign on Monday.
The clash at St James’ Park promises to be a firecracker, given Liverpool’s pursuit of Magpies forward Alexander Isak.
Liverpool had a £110million bid rejected earlier this month, and Isak has gone on strike to try and force a move to Anfield.
The referee may have a tough time controlling the tension if it spills over onto the pitch, and a new announcement does not bode well for the Reds.
Simon Hooper appointed as referee for Newcastle vs Liverpool
The Premier League have announced that Simon Hooper will be the referee for Liverpool‘s clash with Newcastle.
Hooper has officiated the Reds on 14 occasions, with one particular clash resulting in a significant controversy.
The 2-1 loss to Tottenham in September 2023 is known for one of the most catastrophic VAR failures of all time.
Luis Diaz had a perfectly legitimate goal ruled out for offside as the review was conducted far too quickly.
The PGMOL was forced to issue an apology to the Reds, and Jurgen Klopp was furious after the contest, calling for the match to be replayed.
The German said: “All the people involved, the on-field referee, linesman, fourth official and especially in this case VAR, didn’t do that on purpose. It was an obvious mistake, and I think there would have been solutions for it afterwards.
“Some people probably don’t want me to say, but not as the manager of Liverpool, so much, more as a football person, the only outcome should be a replay. That’s how it is. It probably will not happen.”
Curtis Jones and the late Diogo Jota were also sent off in the clash, the latter for two yellow cards, one of which was for a blatant dive by Destiny Udogie.
What is Liverpool’s record under Simon Hooper?
Hooper’s first two matches in charge of the Reds were a 5-0 EFL Cup win over Burton Albion and a 2-2 draw with Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup.
Liverpool then lost just one of three league matches under Hooper’s control, a 4-1 defeat at Anfield in April 2023, before the notorious Spurs encounter.
The 43-year-old has refereed the Reds seven times since that controversial clash, with four wins, two draws, and one loss, in five league and two EFL Cup matches.
The most recent game with Hooper in the centre was the 3-1 loss to Chelsea in May, when Slot’s side had already wrapped up the title.
Slot will hope that there are no more hiccups in what promises to already be a very tense contest.
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