Mark Clattenburg Claims Referee Should Have Sent Off Liverpool Player

In a thrilling Premier League match at St. James’ Park, Liverpool secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle United. Liverpool took the lead through Ryan Gravenberch’s 35th-minute strike, and the game shifted when Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon was sent off just before half-time. Hugo Ekitike doubled Liverpool’s lead seconds after the restart, but Newcastle fought back with a Bruno Guimarães header in the 57th minute and a late equalizer from substitute William Osula in the 88th minute. However, 16-year-old debutant Rio Ngumoha scored a stunning 100th-minute winner for Liverpool, sealing a chaotic, set-piece-heavy match that showcased both teams’ resilience.

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has spoken out over a contentious incident from Newcastle's dramatic 2–3 home defeat to Liverpool, saying that "Simon Hooper got it all wrong."

Chris Sutton's commentary
"A little nudge from Konate, shoulder to shoulder"

For me, should be at least a 2nd yellow, if not its straight red. Barnes is going through. Konate makes no attempt to win the ball, just shoves him. Instead the ref books Bruno G for protesting.
🤦🏻‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/RDjaLM1VKA

— Elliot (@elliotr76) August 25, 2025

Clattenburg highlighted what he felt was a glaring omission in officiating. “Ibrahima Konate was very lucky to get away with a clear push in the back on Harvey Barnes,” he said. “The referee Simon Hooper who was well placed decided not to award a foul which is a wrong decision.”

He added that this was more than just a missed free-kick opportunity—had it been properly called, it could have had immediate consequences for Liverpool. “To compound the wrong decision, this would have resulted in a second yellow card for stopping a promising attack as Barnes is breaking away towards the penalty area with a good potential to get to the ball before Konate. The VAR cannot interfere with a second yellow card so Newcastle needed the in‑field decision which did not come.”