Simon Hooper showed a lack of “common sense” when making a key call during Brighton’s 1-1 draw with West Ham on Sunday, according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
Hackett told Football Insider (7 December) that Brighton’s late equaliser should never have stood, arguing that the officials overlooked a clear instance of dangerous play.
Jarrod Bowen — heavily criticised after the Liverpool defeat for his response to Lucas Paquetá’s red card — returned to form by putting West Ham ahead at the Amex. Crysencio Summerville was back from injury for Brighton, but it wasn’t his sharpest outing, and frustration among the travelling supporters peaked after the dramatic stoppage-time leveller.
Rutter’s last-minute strike leaves West Ham furious
In the first minute of added time, Charalampos Kostoulas attempted a bicycle kick, which was blocked before Jan Paul van Hecke nudged the ball to Georginio Rutter, who squeezed a shot under Alphonse Areola.
The incident was messy from start to finish. Rutter appeared to make contact with the ball using his arm earlier in the move, but it was Kostoulas’ high boot that created the biggest uproar. Konstantinos Mavropanos immediately protested after the attacker’s raised foot brushed dangerously close to his face.
VAR reviewed the goal but allowed it to stand, much to the disbelief of West Ham players, staff, and supporters. Nuno Espírito Santo later demanded greater clarity from refereeing authorities — and Hackett was equally astonished.
Hackett: ‘It was dangerous play — plain and simple’
Speaking on The Final Whistle, Hackett said:
“It shouldn’t have gotten to the second incident because that boot must have brushed his face. That’s got to be dangerous play. It should have been punished — no question.
“The handball was the easy part. We’ll see plenty of clips explaining why the officials let it go, but refereeing needs common sense. If it looks wrong, it’s wrong — and that looked wrong straight away.
“That moment of hesitation creates doubt, and I’m surprised Hooper let it continue.”
West Ham ultimately left the Amex feeling robbed, while the debate over the decision is unlikely to fade anytime soon.