FA and PGMOL ‘make decision’ on referee Simon Hooper after controversial blunder against Man City

Referee Simon Hooper will face no punishment for his late error in Manchester City's draw with Tottenham, it is reported. Hooper sparked fury among the City[1] team when he initially signalled play on when Erling Haaland[2] was fouled, only to pull play back for a free kick after Haaland had got up and sent Jack Grealish clean through on goal. City boss Pep Guardiola[3] refused to criticise Hooper after the game, insisting that the decision was not the reason for the result, but did suggest that the official would be disappointed with his decision looking back.

ALSO READ: Guardiola says City could have had ten red cards after Haaland reaction[4] ALSO READ: Haaland facing FA punishment after X-rated reaction to controversy vs Spurs[5] Now, Sky Sports report that the FA and PGMOL, who make the weekly appointments of referees, have decided that Hooper will face no punishment for the error in the form of a demotion.

He was stood down from his next match earlier this season when he failed to award Wolves a clear penalty at Manchester United[6], when goalkeeper Andre Onana challenged Sasa Kalajdzic at a corner. The report suggests that Hooper's decision in the 94th minute in the City-Spurs game has been accepted as 'human error' and therefore will not see him stood down for the midweek fixtures coming up. He will therefore officiate Sheffield United vs Liverpool[7] as planned on Wednesday - although the official appointments have not yet been announced.

While Guardiola stopped short of criticising Hooper, Bernardo Silva described it as a 'very, very bad decision' - but also added that 'sometimes people make mistakes'.

Haaland took to X and posted a video of the incident with the caption 'wtf' [what the f---], which could see the FA investigate for breaching social media rules which include comments which "imply bias, attack the match officials' integrity or which are personally offensive in nature."

References

1. ^ City (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ Erling Haaland (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
3. ^ Pep Guardiola (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
4. ^ Guardiola says City could have had ten red cards after Haaland reaction (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
5. ^ Haaland facing FA punishment after X-rated reaction to controversy vs Spurs (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
6. ^ Manchester United (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
7. ^ Liverpool (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)