In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through English football, Premier League referee Simon Hooper has been abruptly removed from his scheduled assignment for Brentford's upcoming clash with Liverpool.
The controversial official finds himself at the centre of a storm after his decision-making came under intense scrutiny during Manchester City's electrifying 3-3 draw with Tottenham on Sunday.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
Hooper's most contentious moment came in the dying stages of the Etihad Stadium thriller when he appeared to award Manchester City a significant advantage after a foul on Erling Haaland, only to inexplicably pull play back moments later.
The decision prompted visible fury from City players, with Norwegian striker Haaland storming off the pitch at full-time while voicing his displeasure on social media. The incident has since gone viral across football platforms, drawing criticism from pundits and fans alike.
PGMOL Takes Swift Action
In response to the mounting controversy, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has taken decisive action by removing Hooper from his next high-profile assignment. The experienced official was originally slated to take charge of Brentford's Premier League encounter with Liverpool at the Gtech Community Stadium this coming weekend.
Instead, Hooper will be demoted to VAR duties for Sheffield United's match against Liverpool the following Wednesday, while Anthony Taylor steps up to officiate the Brentford fixture.
Growing Pressure on Match Officials
This incident highlights the increasing pressure and scrutiny facing Premier League officials in the VAR era. Controversial decisions are now analysed from multiple angles within moments, creating instant backlash across social media platforms.
The PGMOL's swift response demonstrates their awareness of the need to maintain confidence in match officiating, particularly when high-profile errors capture national attention.
As the Premier League season reaches its busiest period, all eyes will be on how Hooper and his colleagues respond to this latest controversy in one of the world's most watched football competitions.
