The Premier League has confirmed the match officials for the decisive Brentford versus Newcastle United game today, which kicks off at 4 PM. This fixture is crucial for Newcastle’s hopes of securing a spot in European competitions. After a narrow 3-2 defeat to Manchester United midweek, Newcastle needs a win against Brentford and must rely on Chelsea losing to AFC Bournemouth to clinch 6th place.
If Newcastle matches Manchester United’s result against Brighton & Hove Albion, they will finish 7th, but this will only qualify them for Europe if Manchester City triumphs over Manchester United in the upcoming FA Cup final.
The referee for today’s crucial match is Simon Hooper, who has officiated two previous Newcastle games this season. Hooper was the referee during Newcastle’s 4-1 victory over Chelsea in November, a game in which Reece James received a red card. Hooper also officiated the FA Cup quarter-final where Newcastle fell 2-0 to Manchester City.
Earlier in the season, Hooper was involved in a controversial VAR incident when Liverpool had a goal incorrectly disallowed during their 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. The VAR officials, Darren England and Daniel Cook, mistakenly confirmed Hooper’s on-field offside decision, restarting play with a Spurs free-kick, despite realizing the error immediately afterward.
Liverpool lodged a complaint to the PGMOL, and Jurgen Klopp humorously suggested the match should be replayed. Reflecting on this incident, Klopp joked about Hooper’s appointment for Liverpool’s recent 3-3 draw at Aston Villa, where a booking would have seen Klopp serve a touchline ban for his final game as Liverpool manager. Klopp quipped, “They gave me Simon Hooper, the biggest challenge they could find! But I should be fine.”
Hooper will be assisted by Adrian Holmes and Simon Long, with Paul Tierney and Natalie Aspinall handling VAR duties. Gavin Ward will serve as the fourth official, ensuring all eyes are on this pivotal match as Newcastle strives for a European spot.