Pre‑match jitters over the officiating trio
When the Premier League announced the match officials for Liverpool's trip to Selhurst Park, the reaction on the Kop was immediate. Simon Hooper, a referee who has overseen several contentious Liverpool games, was paired with David Coote on the VAR bench – a combination that has earned a reputation for controversy among Reds fans. Social media threads lit up with speculation, citing previous encounters where Liverpool felt hard‑pressed by questionable calls.
Supporters pointed to three notable incidents from the last season: a doubtful off‑side call against Mohamed Salah, a handball ruling that nullified a late equaliser, and a penalty that was awarded after a lengthy VAR review which many believed should have stood. Those moments helped cement the perception that Hooper and Coote form a “problematic pair” when it comes to Liverpool.
Arne Slot, Liverpool’s new manager, tried to keep the focus on tactics, but the brewing anxiety was palpable in the stadium. Fans waved banners asking for “fair officiating” and even held up signs with the phrase “Give us a clean game”. The stage was set for a match that would be judged as much by the result as by the referees’ performance.
The 71st‑minute penalty saga and its fallout
Early in the game Liverpool took the lead through a crisp Diogo Jota strike in the ninth minute, silencing any early doubts. The balance, however, shifted dramatically in the 71st minute when Palace earned a corner. As the ball swung into the six‑yard box, defender Marc Guehi appeared to be pulled back by Virgil van Dijk, hindering his run on the ball.
Guehi gestured emphatically, and Hooper stopped play, only to wave his hand and signal that play would continue. The decision prompted an immediate VAR review. Coote looked at the footage, but after a brief pause, he signalled to Hooper that no infringement had occurred. The referee’s final whistle confirmed the decision, and the penalty claim was dropped.
The reaction was swift. Palace players and fans expressed outrage, and the incident quickly trended under #VARGate on Twitter. Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett, who has been vocal about VAR’s inconsistencies, slammed the review, calling the outcome "pure garbage" and demanding a review of the protocol surrounding hand‑to‑hand fouls in the box.
To put the controversy in perspective, here are some of the most debated moments involving Hooper and Coote in recent months:
- October 2023: Liverpool vs. Manchester United – a marginal off‑side that cancelled a potential goal.
- January 2024: Liverpool vs. Tottenham – a handball decision that led to a penalty against Liverpool, later overturned on appeal.
- March 2024: Liverpool vs. Chelsea – a VAR‑confirmed penalty that many pundits argued should have been a free‑kick.
Despite the uproar, Liverpool held on to win 1‑0, preserving their position at the top of the Premier League under Slot’s stewardship. The victory marked their sixth win in seven league matches, a strong start that suggests the new manager’s ideas are taking hold.
Yet the match will likely be remembered more for the officiating dispute than for Jota’s early goal. Fans have called for the league to reconsider referee appointments for high‑stakes games, arguing that consistency is essential for the sport’s credibility. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on future Hooper‑Coote assignments, especially when Liverpool’s title challenge intensifies.
Sihle Tana
I am a journalist with a passion for covering daily news in Africa. My work has taken me across the continent, reporting on significant events and stories that impact communities. I strive to bring insightful and comprehensive news coverage to my readers.
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