Simon Hooper Refs West Ham v Man Utd at London Stadium

Key Points

• Simon Hooper, a 43-year-old referee from Swindon, will officiate Tuesday’s Premier League fixture between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium.
• Hooper began refereeing in the Football League in 2008 and officiated his first Premier League match in August 2015, a 3-1 win for Crystal Palace at Norwich City.
• He was promoted to the Select Group of Referees in 2018 and has refereed 13 fixtures involving West Ham United, most recently their 1-1 draw against Brentford in September 2024 at Gtech Community Stadium.
• Hooper has officiated two EFL League One Play-Off finals, in 2017 and 2022.
• This season, he has refereed 14 Premier League fixtures, including West Ham United’s 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion in December 2025.
• Adrian Holmes and Simon Long will serve as assistant referees; Holmes has been a Premier League assistant since the 2012/13 season, and Long since the 2009/10 season.
• Both Holmes and Long regularly work with Hooper and assisted in West Ham United’s draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.
• Tim Robinson, from West Sussex, will be the fourth official; he refereed his first Premier League match in December 2019 (Burnley 1-0 Newcastle United) and was promoted to Select Group One ahead of the 2023/24 season.
• Robinson officiated four West Ham United matches last season across all competitions: at Fulham, Ipswich Town, Aston Villa, and home against AFC Bournemouth.
• Craig Pawson, a storied Premier League referee, will handle Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties, assisted by Daniel Robathan.

London Stadium (East London Times) February 8,, 2026 – Simon Hooper will referee Tuesday’s Premier League fixture between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium, as announced by the home club. The 43-year-old Swindon native brings extensive experience to the match, having officiated 13 West Ham games previously, including their recent 1-1 draw with Brentford. Assistant referees Adrian Holmes and Simon Long, alongside fourth official Tim Robinson and VAR Craig Pawson, complete the officiating team.

Who is Simon Hooper, the Referee for West Ham vs Manchester United?

Simon Hooper, originating from Swindon, began his refereeing career in the Football League in 2008. He took charge of his first Premier League match in August 2015, overseeing Crystal Palace’s 3-1 victory at Norwich City, according to details from the Premier League’s official referee profiles. Promoted to the Select Group of Referees in 2018, Hooper has accumulated significant top-flight experience.

This season alone, Hooper has refereed 14 Premier League fixtures. Notably, he was the man in the middle for West Ham United’s 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion in December 2025. His history with West Ham includes 13 fixtures, with the most recent being their 1-1 stalemate against Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium in September 2024. Hooper’s resume also features two EFL League One Play-Off finals, held in 2017 and 2022, highlighting his capability in high-stakes encounters.

As reported by the West Ham United official announcement, Hooper’s selection underscores his familiarity with the Hammers’ style of play. The 43-year-old’s balanced approach has been a consistent feature in his Premier League tenure.

What Experience Do Assistant Referees Adrian Holmes and Simon Long Bring?

Adrian Holmes and Simon Long will serve as the assistant referees at London Stadium. Both officials possess extensive Premier League experience, as outlined in the match officials’ confirmation.

Holmes has worked as an assistant referee in the Premier League since the 2012/13 season. His long-standing presence in the top tier demonstrates reliability in high-pressure environments. Fellow assistant Simon Long has been a linesman in the Premier League since the 2009/10 season, even earlier than Holmes.

The duo regularly officiates matches alongside Simon Hooper. They both assisted in West Ham United’s aforementioned 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, ensuring continuity for Tuesday’s clash. This partnership is expected to provide seamless support to the central referee.

Who is Tim Robinson, the Fourth Official?

Tim Robinson will serve as the fourth official for the fixture. One of the Premier League’s newer regular officials from West Sussex, Robinson took charge of his first top-flight match in December 2019. That game saw Burnley secure a 1-0 win over Newcastle United.

Promoted to Select Group One ahead of the 2023/24 season, Robinson has steadily built his reputation. Last season, he officiated four West Ham United matches across all competitions. These included games at Fulham, Ipswich Town, and Aston Villa, as well as the home match against AFC Bournemouth.

According to the official appointment details, Robinson’s growing portfolio positions him well for his role on Tuesday. His recent involvement with West Ham adds a layer of familiarity to the officiating team.

What Role Will Craig Pawson Play as VAR?

Storied Premier League referee Craig Pawson is set to oversee Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties. He will be assisted by Daniel Robathan, forming a robust VAR team.

Pawson’s extensive career in the Premier League makes him a fitting choice for VAR responsibilities. His experience ensures thorough reviews of key decisions, maintaining the integrity of the match. Daniel Robathan’s support will aid in efficient operation of the technology.

As per the West Ham United announcement, Pawson’s appointment aligns with the league’s emphasis on experienced officials for pivotal fixtures like this Manchester United clash.

Why Was This Officiating Team Selected for the Match?

The Premier League’s referee appointments are determined by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), based on form, experience, and availability. Simon Hooper’s prior games with West Ham—13 in total—suggest a deliberate choice for neutrality and familiarity without bias.

Hooper’s 14 Premier League fixtures this season, including recent high-profile draws, indicate he is in strong form. Assistants Holmes and Long’s long top-flight tenures (since 2012/13 and 2009/10 respectively) provide stability. Their regular collaboration with Hooper minimises errors.

Tim Robinson’s promotion to Select Group One and his four West Ham games last season further justify his inclusion. VAR specialist Craig Pawson’s veteran status ensures scrutiny of critical moments, such as potential penalties or red cards.

This combination balances experience with current-season sharpness, ideal for a competitive mid-season Premier League encounter at London Stadium.

How Does Hooper’s History with West Ham Influence Perceptions?

Hooper has been the central referee for 13 West Ham fixtures. His most recent was the 1-1 draw at Brentford in September 2024 at Gtech Community Stadium. He also oversaw the 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion in December 2025.

West Ham fans and analysts often note Hooper’s even-handed style. While specific post-match quotes from players are unavailable in the announcement, his record shows consistency. The EFL Play-Off finals in 2017 and 2022 underscore his big-match temperament.

No controversies are highlighted in the official release, positioning Hooper as a safe pair of hands for this Manchester United showdown.

What is the Significance of the Fixture for Both Teams?

Tuesday’s match at London Stadium pits West Ham United against Manchester United in a key Premier League encounter. For West Ham, a strong home record under their management could boost mid-table aspirations. Manchester United, chasing European spots, need points to maintain momentum.

The officiating team’s experience is crucial amid the Premier League’s intensity. Hooper’s 14 games this season prepare him for any flashpoints. The full team’s pedigree minimises disruption.

As London Stadium prepares to host, all eyes will be on how these officials navigate the clash.

Background on Recent Officiating Trends in the Premier League

The Premier League has refined its refereeing pool, with promotions like Tim Robinson’s to Select Group One ahead of 2023/24. VAR oversight by veterans like Craig Pawson reflects efforts to reduce errors.

Assistant referees like Holmes (since 2012/13) and Long (since 2009/10) exemplify longevity. Hooper’s journey—from Football League in 2008 to Select Group in 2018—mirrors the pathway for top officials.

This appointment fits PGMOL’s strategy of pairing seasoned hands with emerging talent.