Premier League referee Simon Hooper was reportedly left "devastated" by his own controversial call during a dramatic 2023 clash between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. This revelation comes as Hooper prepares to take charge of a crucial Sunday fixture between Manchester United and Arsenal, with supporters from both sides hoping the official avoids making headlines for the wrong reasons this weekend.
The Incident That Shook the Etihad
The memorable incident occurred in December 2023 at the Etihad Stadium, with the scoreline locked at 3-3 deep into injury time. Tottenham had found the net through Son Heung-Min, Giovani Lo Celso, and Dejan Kulusevski, while Manchester City responded with strikes from Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, plus an own goal from Son to level matters.
As the match approached its conclusion, Spurs defender Emerson Royal attempted to dispossess Erling Haaland just inside City's half during a counter-attack opportunity. Royal fouled the Norwegian striker, but Haaland managed to play a superb through ball into the path of Grealish, who was advancing toward goal.
A Controversial Whistle Blows
Initially, referee Simon Hooper appeared to have played advantage for Manchester City following the foul. However, just as the ball reached Grealish in a promising position, Hooper blew his whistle and signalled for play to be brought back to the spot of the original infringement.
This decision sparked immediate fury among the City players, with an incensed Erling Haaland screaming directly at Hooper while placing his hands on his head in disbelief. The match ultimately finished 3-3, but the referee's late call became the primary talking point among viewers, pundits, and participants alike in the aftermath.
Post-Match Fallout and Analysis
Haaland took to social media to express his frustration, posting a video of the incident with the simple caption: "Wtf." Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola echoed his striker's bewilderment, stating: "It is hard when you review the image, the referee decides to blow the whistle after he has already said to play on. After the pass, the whistle, so I do not understand this action."
The controversial moment was later reviewed on the Match Official's Mic'd Up Show by Howard Webb, the PGMOL's chief refereeing officer. Webb provided insight into Hooper's emotional state following the match, revealing: "He decides to penalise just at the moment as the ball's about to go, he blows the whistle, and then realises that a wonderful advantage was available. He was devastated. He'd refereed the game really well for 93 minutes, but he knew this is going to be the only talking point."
Webb's Assessment and VAR Clarification
Webb further explained that officials constantly strive to positively influence matches by identifying opportunities to allow play to continue through advantage situations. He acknowledged understanding "the disappointment that City felt on this one" while defending Hooper by confirming that VAR "has no part to play" in advantage decisions, as these fall entirely within the on-field referee's discretion.
Despite the controversy, the decision had minimal impact on Manchester City's eventual league campaign, as they proceeded to secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title. Tottenham finished in fifth position with 66 points, just two points behind Aston Villa who claimed the final Champions League qualification spot.
Looking Ahead to Arsenal vs Manchester United
As Simon Hooper prepares to officiate Sunday's high-stakes encounter between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford, both clubs will undoubtedly hope for a controversy-free performance from the experienced referee. While the 2023 incident against Manchester City ultimately proved inconsequential to the title race, neither United nor Arsenal will want any contentious refereeing decisions influencing this crucial Premier League fixture.
The match represents a significant test for Hooper as he returns to the spotlight for a major Premier League appointment. Fans, players, and managers alike will be watching closely to see if the official can put past controversies behind him and deliver a performance focused entirely on the football, rather than becoming the central narrative once again.
