Norwich City fans are already conceding defeat ahead of Saturday’s game at Carrow Road.
It has been confirmed that Simon Hooper will be in charge of VAR for the game and the announcement has not gone down well with Norwich supporters.
Hooper has not been a popular figure with Norwich fans since the opening game of the 2015/16 season. He controversially disallowed a Cameron Jerome overhead kick for a ‘high foot’, despite there being nobody around the striker.
A number of Norwich fans have already taken to Twitter to admit defeat days before the game takes place.
Twitter: Might as well announce a Newcastle win with Simon Hooper on VAR duties #ncfc https://t.co/uySwyVE21F (@JakeNcfcMann11)
Twitter: Simon Hooper on VAR duty for #ncfc v Newcastle on Saturday. What could possibly go wrong ? https://t.co/9i0FMcOXrz (@Ian_M1)
Twitter: @Ian_M1 https://t.co/eIziWUPSMh (@mattman1981)
Twitter: I’ll give you one guess to who’s doing the VAR for our game…
Yep…
It’s good old Simon Hooper.
Sigh… #NCFC https://t.co/R0QNKpW1Yh (@Alex_Murray_)
Twitter: Hard to get things wrong when you’re just sitting watching replays in the VAR booth, but i wouldn’t put it past Sim… https://t.co/TdidaKuC2y (@DanielEmeryRS)
Twitter: @Ian_M1 No overhead kicks allowed except the high profile players (@ACFromNorwich)
Read Newcastle verdict
Norwich fans clearly aren’t ones to forget something in a hurry. Holding a grudge from the 2015/16 season proves that, but it’s something that could work in Newcastle’s favour.
VAR wasn’t exactly welcomed by all during the opening weekend as it arrived in the Premier League with its fair share of controversy.
If there happens to be a level of uncertainty among the home supporters, Steve Bruce’s side must take advantage of that.
Carrow Road can be a tricky place to go if the fans are behind the team and their home form could be a decisive factor in their bid to stay in the Premier League.
If Newcastle can make it a nervous affair, especially after Norwich’s heavy defeat against Liverpool, Bruce’s men could take advantage on the road and secure their first three points of the season.
