Ex-Premier League Referee Mark Clattenburg Criticizes Simon Hooper Over Key Error in Newcastle’s 3-2 Loss to Liverpool
Former top-flight official Mark Clattenburg has criticized referee Simon Hooper for a critical mistake during Newcastle United’s dramatic 3-2 loss to Liverpool on Monday night—a match already being touted as an early contender for game of the season. The winning goal came in the 100th minute from 16-year-old debutant Rio Ngumhoa.
Tensions were high before kickoff, with headlines dominated by Alexander Isak’s transfer situation. Once the match began, Newcastle controlled much of the play against the reigning champions. However, the momentum shifted after Anthony Gordon was sent off soon after Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring for Liverpool.
Hugo Ekitike extended the lead shortly after the break, but Liverpool came from behind for the second time this season, sealing another dramatic late victory.
In a contest packed with high drama and controversy, Clattenburg pointed out a major officiating oversight. Reflecting on the game, Clattenburg said Hooper appeared overwhelmed at times, missing clear fouls and making inconsistent decisions. One such moment, he argued, should have seen Liverpool reduced to 10 men.
Clattenburg: Konate Was Fortunate to Stay on the Pitch
Late in the game, with Newcastle down to 10 men and pushing for an equalizer, Harvey Barnes was through on goal after a pass from Bruno Guimaraes. But before he could reach it, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate—already on a yellow card—shoved him to the ground. Despite the clear contact, Hooper opted not to penalize Konate.
Speaking exclusively to Geordie Boot Boys, Clattenburg said:
> “Ibrahima Konate was very lucky to avoid punishment for a blatant push on Harvey Barnes. Referee Simon Hooper had a clear view but chose not to award the foul, which was the wrong decision.
Not only was it a foul, but it should’ve been a second yellow card for halting a promising attack. Barnes had a clear opportunity to reach the ball near the penalty area.”
Clattenburg also noted that VAR couldn’t intervene since it wasn’t a straight red card offense. Newcastle had to rely on the on-field call, which never came. Instead, Guimaraes was booked for protesting the decision, placing him under pressure for the remainder of the match.
No official reason has been provided for why Konate wasn’t shown a second yellow, but the decision may be linked to updated Premier League officiating guidelines. The latest guidance from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) for the 2025/26 season states:
> “Match officials in the Premier League will maintain a high threshold for penalising challenges—not every contact is a foul—while protecting player safety.”
Ultimately, Newcastle’s hopes unraveled in stoppage time. In the 10th of 11 additional minutes, Liverpool strung together a team-wide move that ended in a dramatic winning goal. The loss extended Newcastle’s winless run against Liverpool in the Premier League to 18 games, with their last victory coming in 2015—when Gini Wijnaldum scored before later joining the Reds.
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