Premier League make Newcastle United decision after Liverpool & Tottenham controversy

Simon Hooper is back on Premier League duty this weekend after being selected as VAR for Newcastle United’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace (kick-off 3pm).

The Wiltshire official was referee for Tottenham Hotspur’s controversial 2-1 win over Liverpool last month, which saw Luis Diaz’s opener incorrectly disallowed for offside.

The VAR team of Darren England and Daniel Cook thought the on-field decision was onside. England signalled ‘check complete’ which resulted in the play restarting with a Spurs free-kick. They realised their mistake immediately but couldn’t change the decision under existing protocols.

PGMOL chief Howard Webb admitted it was a clear error by England and Cook, which saw both officials stood down for the final round of matches before the October international break.

In the same game, both Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota were sent off for the Reds. Hooper will be assisted by James Mainwaring on VAR duty.

Meanwhile, Tim Robinson has been confirmed by the Premier League as the man in the middle, assisted by Adrian Holmes and Simon Long. Robinson has taken charge of just six Premier League matches in total, including a 1-0 defeat for Newcastle at Burnley in 2019.

On fourth official duty is Keith Stroud, who needs no introduction to Newcastle supporters.

Stroud made one of the most infamous refereeing blunders in recent Newcastle memory against Burton Albion in April 2017. A penalty was converted by Matt Ritchie only for Stroud to disallow it and award Burton a free-kick for encroachment instead of a re-take.

Fortunately for United, Ritchie went on to score the winner anyway and help the club seal a big three points in their quest for promotion from the Championship.

On Saturday, Eddie Howe’s side are hoping to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches.