The referee has been confirmed for Liverpool’s potentially fiery clash with Newcastle, with Arne Slot having previous with one of the officials.
The Reds make the trip to St James’ Park on Monday evening, in their first Premier League away game of 2025/26.
With the Alexander Isak situation looming large, though, Newcastle and their fans could be in a ferocious mood, feeling (unfairly) wronged by Liverpool’s pursuit of their striker.
• READ: Alexander Isak breaks silence: ‘Newcastle have broken promises and what was agreed’
Strong appointments are required for the game and Simon Hooper has been announced as the referee, with Adrian Holmes and Simon Long named as his assistants.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - Monday, May 13, 2024: Referee Simon Hooper reacts as he produces another performance full of errors during the FA Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Liverpool FC at Villa Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Hooper has history with Liverpool, having taken charge of the 1-0 defeat at Tottenham in 2023/24, when Luis Diaz incorrectly had a goal disallowed and Curtis Jones was harshly sent off.
Meanwhile, Tony Harrington is the fourth official at St James’, while John Brooks is on VAR, supported by Steve Meredith.
Slot may not be delighted at Brooks’ appointment, with Liverpool’s head coach unimpressed with his performance on the pitch at home to Chelsea last season, when he was booked for voicing his anger at decisions.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 19, 2024: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot kicks the ball away during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“The booking came from the fact that, I think there were three or four decisions that didn’t go in our favour,” Slot said.
“So it was a handball, I don’t know if it was, but everybody was screaming for it, so I did as well. Then there was the red card situation, then there was the penalty situation just afterwards.”
Liverpool will need to be at their best for the trip to Newcastle, with the home crowd fired up under the lights, and last season’s 3-3 draw showed how tough a place it is to visit.
Victory there would be a major early statement of intent in the title race, but the Magpies won’t make it easy for the Reds.
Newcastle and Liverpool fans are anticipating a wild evening….
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot against Ipswich (Owen Humphreys/PA)
As mentioned, Monday’s match promises to be a feisty affair, with supporters from both clubs expecting as much, as the Isak saga turns increasingly ugly:
I can see Monday night being hostile as EVER! First game at home all this drama over 1 player. The squad will be well up for it! Wanting to show what we are! Hope we get a WIN, will be mint… #nufc
— NEwcastle Un1teD-mAd (@shareefAminpour) August 19, 2025
Monday has to be the biggest atmosphere we've created in the modern era. From before the game all the way through to the final whistle. The whole place UNITED regardless of result or performance. Get behind those who represent us and fight for this club and city. #nufc
— Black and White Army (@BNWARMY_) August 20, 2025
St. James' Park is going to be absolutely feral on Monday night. A proper lion's den.
I've never wanted Darwin Nuñez back on loan so badly in my life.
— El Mans (@el_mansfield) August 19, 2025
We are 100% leaving St James Park with dropped points on Monday night, I'm lumping my life savings on it ?
— ? (@6thiagoat) August 19, 2025
St James Park is going to be special kind of Premier League fuckery on Monday. Isak claiming broken promises with PIF/Newcastle, Eddie Howe just asking for a good striker, the dressing room now divided.
Ekitike scoring the winner is going to be the sucker punch too https://t.co/g7upuBW6mf
— Michael Mongie (@MikeMongie) August 19, 2025
This Newcastle vs Liverpool game on Monday Night Football next week is going to be an ALL TIMER ??
— Dobbo (@Dobbo0107) August 19, 2025
Newcastle v Liverpool on Monday will be wild.
— LFCZA (@LFCZA) August 20, 2025
Liverpool started their season with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, while Newcastle left Villa Park with a point following a goalless draw.