Liverpool fans are all saying the same thing about ‘disgrace’ Simon Hooper in Newcastle win

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Liverpool recorded a 3-2 win away at Newcastle United in a match riddled with controversy.

The Reds were the favourites heading into the clash, but were up against the odds throughout the first half until Ryan Gravenberch gave the visitors the lead in the 35th minute against the run of play.

And things went from bad to worse for Newcastle, as Anthony Gordon received his marching orders on the brink of half-time for his challenge on Virgil van Dijk following VAR intervention.

Alexander Isak’s intention to join Liverpool has, of course, dominated headlines heading into the contest at St James’ Park, and the atmosphere was hostile to say the least.

Rio Ngumoha won the match for Liverpool as the 16-year-old emerged from the bench to score with virtually the last kick of the game.

However, the Liverpool supporters were left raging on social media, despite the result, after referee Simon Hooper got on the wrong side of the Anfield faithful once again.

Liverpool fans are livid with Simon Hooper

Hooper was involved in the VAR controversy at Tottenham in the 2023/24 season when Luis Diaz’s goal was incorrectly deemed offside.

Mikel Arteta once mocked Hooper after the Arsenal boss was on the wrong end of a decision in a match against Aston Villa in the same season as the Diaz controversy.

Football supporters love to criticise match officials regardless of allegiance, but Liverpool fans have slammed Hooper in the past, and it appears the official is always riled in controversy when he officiates the Reds.

And it appears his name will dominate the headlines once again as the Reds supporters were not one bit pleased with his officiating at St James’ Park.

One supporter wrote, “I can’t stress how dangerous it is to have Simon Hooper in the middle tonight. First 25 fouls are free game because ‘no one wants to see players booked in games like this’.”

Another supporter echoed the sentiment, writing: “Simon Hooper with the worst 25 minutes of refereeing, completely overwhelmed by the home crowd. Game has no tempo, long balls and fouls all stemming from Newcastle.”

Newcastle dominated the Premier League champions throughout the first half and one fan believes Hooper’s decision-making helped influence the atmosphere in the North East.

“Simon Hooper is such a horrible horrible referee, stopping every foul now he has my team playing like 1 year olds!”

One fan believes Hooper should not be allowed to officiate Liverpool matches, writing: “Simon Hooper should be banned from officiating Liverpool games, especially after what happened in the Spurs game. How is he still getting games, doesn’t make sense.”

Simon Hooper lost control of Newcastle United vs Liverpool

Although the atmosphere inside St James’ Park was electric on Monday evening, thanks to the home support, Hooper certainly allowed the occasion to get the better of him.

Joelinton and Kieran Trippier committed fouls worthy of a yellow card offence in the opening 25 minutes; however, Gravenberch was the first player to receive a name in the referee’s notebook.

It took 44 minutes for Hooper to issue the first yellow card to the hosts, and he did indeed brandish the red card to Anthony Gordon.

Hooper’s woeful display did not have an impact on Liverpool this time around, but considering the official has a history of poor decisions going against the Reds, the fans can hardly be blamed for their reaction.