'I'm amazed' - Ex-FIFA ref can't believe Anthony Gordon decision vs Liverpool
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(Credit: Imago/Getty)
Ciaran Morrison
Tue 26 August 2025 8:00, UK
Anthony Gordon’s red card against Liverpool inspired a damning verdict on referee Simon Hooper by a PGMOL insider.
Gordon was sent off in the first half for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk just before half-time, after Ryan Gravenberch had put Liverpool ahead.
The frantic encounter had many controversial decisions and Joelinton should have received punishment for a foul on Cody Gakpo.
Hugo Ekitike made Liverpool’s man advantage count seconds into the second half, but goals from Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula pegged the Premier League champions back before Rio Ngumoha scored a dramatic late winner for the visitors.
Van Dijk was fouled by Gordon which led to the red card.
Liverpool have had a bid rejected for Isak, with Newcastle have stating the striker is not for sale despite him currently having no involvement in first team matters at the club.
Gordon though overstepped the mark with his late lunging challenge on van Dijk, with the Liverpool captain pointing out the mark left on him from the tackle to the former Everton winger.
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The 24-year-old originally saw a yellow card, but following a VAR review the referee upgraded his original decision to a red.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
This article contains exclusive comment from former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Referee Simon Hooper had to instructed by VAR to review the incident after originally not awarding Gordon with a red card for the reckless challenge.
Former referee Keith Hackett believes it should not have taken a VAR review to have come to the decision to award Gordon with a straight red.
“I was amazed on first view that the referee did not issue a straight red card,” Hackett said.
“Frankly two earlier challenges that deserved yellow cards went unpunished- unacceptable.
“Too lenient approach for this encounter by Hooper.
“Thankfully VAR intervened leaving Hooper with no option to issue a red card, and the challenge was an act of serious foul play.”
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