Former referee explains Simon Hooper thinking in Man City vs Tottenham decision error

Erling Haaland and Manchester City were seething when referee Simon Hooper blew his whistle for a free-kick despite initially waving play on when Jack Grealish was through on goal.

Simon Hooper will be kicking himself after a glaring, yet uncharacteristic, error during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham.

That's according to former top-fight referee Dermot Gallagher as he provided insight into a controversial decision which marred what was a thrilling game at the Etihad Stadium. Six goals were shared between the two teams in a not-to-be-missed 90 minutes.

City were incensed when Hooper - with the score at 3-3 in added-time - blew up for a free-kick when Jack Grealish had been sent through on goal. Hooper had initially waved play on after Erling Haaland was fouled but then clipped a ball over the top to send Grealish clear. The Norway international possibly facing FA punishment for his angry reaction.

ALSO READ: Haaland faces FA punishment for X-rated reaction

ALSO READ: City player ratings vs Tottenham as Gvardiol good

Shedding light on the moment, Gallagher told Sky Sports show Ref Watch: "It's difficult, because this is a lad who I'd say plays more advantage than anybody else normally. He lets it go and lets it go and takes a long time to bring it back and, sometimes, he's on the cusp.

"You see quite rightly he plays on and you can see why. The ball goes to Grealish and he's away and, for whatever reason, Simon puts his whistle to his mouth and blows it.

"We spoke a few weeks ago about referees being like players, the best players delay things a little bit. If he'd have waited one second the whole landscape changes but, unfortunately, he didn't. It's unfortunate, but it's just an error that he's made."

Gallagher continued: "That's the first irony [no law]. It's the referee's choice to play advantage - nobody else's - so by the law he has not done anything wrong. It's just how we apply the law.

"It's really, really unfortunate because, as I say, he's one referee who stands out for really pushing advantage rather than anybody. Believe it or not, we're our worst enemies referees, we do take things personally and beat ourselves up, so he will be really upset this morning."