Richard Keys slams Simon Hooper for what he did in Newcastle vs Liverpool
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(Credit: Imago, beIN SPORTS)
Edward Bazeley
Tue 26 August 2025 15:45, UK
Richard Keys has fired criticism at Premier League referee Simon Hooper for needing a VAR review to give Anthony Gordon a red card as Newcastle lost to Liverpool on Monday.
The Reds defeated the Magpies 3-2 on 25 August, thanks to Rio Ngumoha’s stoppage-time winner, but one of the main talking points came when Gordon was sent off for a late challenge on Virgil van Dijk.
Arne Slot’s men were 2-0 up, but despite being down to 10 men, Newcastle managed to level the scores at 2-2, thanks to goals from Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula.
However, 16-year-old Ngumoha ensured that Liverpool came away from St James’ Park with a victory, scoring in the 10th minute of additional time.
Gordon was sent off against Liverpool (Credit Imago)
After their unconvincing win over Newcastle, Liverpool’s next step in their Premier League title defence sees them face Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, 31 August.
Like Slot’s side, the Gunners have won both of their first two top-flight games, enjoying a 5-0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday, 23 August.
Meanwhile, following Liverpool’s dramatic triumph over Newcastle, beIN Sports’ Richard Keys took to X on Tuesday, 26 August, as he wrote: “I keep getting asked ‘did we see the correct use of VAR last night?’ Yes.
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“But why didn’t Simon Hooper recognise that as a red without the need for tech?
Hooper has had a really slow start to the season.”
Football Insider verdict
Liverpool will be pleased that they have started the new Premier League season with consecutive wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle.
However, the Merseyside club will be significantly less satisfied with the fact that they have already conceded four goals in two top-flight outings.
Furthermore, Slot’s men conceded two goals to Crystal Palace before being beaten on penalties by the Eagles in the Community Shield on 10 August.
OpponentDateArsenal (H)31/08Burnley (A)14/09Everton (H)20/09Liverpool face Arsenal next
Therefore, while Liverpool remain eager to sign Alexander Isak, the North West giants should be determined to sign a defender before the transfer window closes.
France international Ibrahima Konate looked particularly unconvincing against Newcastle on 25 August, while the Anfield side are interested in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Guehi has helped the South Londoners to Community Shield and FA Cup glory in recent months, and has become a regular on the international scene for England.
Meanwhile, football commentator Ian Darke has backed Slot’s side to sell Harvey Elliott to Tottenham in a Liverpool News 247 exclusive.
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