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
— Elliot (@elliotr76) August 25, 2025
"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
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.”
