Heartwarming moment Premier League referee surprises kids by taking charge of U7s game and even uses official coin
PREMIER LEAGUE referee Simon Hooper dropped down more than a few divisions to referee a KIDS game in Manchester last weekend.
Hooper, 42, has been refereeing in England’s top flight since 2018.
The professional ref took the time out of his week to stop by the Manchester Youth Super League and officiate a clash between two U7s teams.
Hooper even had time to stop and chat to the league’s usual referees and offer them some advice.
While the official came decked out in his Premier League gear and even brought along an official Prem coin to decide the kick off.
A post on the league’s social media gushed about Hooper’s heartwarming moment.
It read: “FIRST TIME EVER!!! A Premier League ref has reffed a game in the MYSL.
“A massive thanks to Simon Hooper for reffing a game last weekend.”
Adding: “He even brought his Premier League coin for the toss to start the game. WHAT A GUY.
“Thanks so much for this Simon Hooper, who even had the time to speak with our refs.”
The game came in the same weekend that Hooper had acted as fourth official for Southampton’s defeat to Leicester.
It’s a big drop down for Hooper who is used to the dizzying heights of the Premier League.
He’s taken charge of over 100 Prem games already in his career and is used to coming face to face with international superstars rather than school kids.
Although his venture into the youth leagues won’t have left him struggling without VAR, with Hooper regularly taking charge of Championship games too.
This season he has already officiated two Championship clashes, while he has been the man in the middle for four Prem games.
Hooper’s last Prem clash came earlier this month when he took charge of Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
And he will return to action this weekend as he heads to Stamford Bridge to referee Chelsea vs Newcastle.