LFC Live - Premier League urged to investigate 'unacceptable' Liverpool and Newcastle match decisions

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Opta figures demonstrate the ball remained in play for just 40.8 per cent of the encounter, marking the lowest percentage for a Premier League fixture in 15 years, since Stoke City defeated Blackburn Rovers in February 2020.

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Hackett believes these statistics are unacceptable and has urged the Premier League to investigate, though he maintains referee Simon Hooper bears no responsibility.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: "This is frankly an unacceptable stat – it fails to deliver value for money to the paying fans.

I would recommend that the Premier League launch an investigation to determine where time was lost.

"Hooper is an official who likes to keep his interventions to a minimum and create a good game flow.

I would suggest that he is not to blame, but clearly can greatly influence the amount of game-time by ensuring the appropriate amount of added time is applied.

"The game has a problem that cannot be overlooked – the Premier League must investigate."

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