Pep Guardiola side were forced to settle for a just a point for the third successive Premier League game after Dejan Kulusevski netted a stoppage-time equaliser for Spurs just over three weeks ago.
However, in the dying embers of the thrilling contest, Man City were denied the opportunity to score a winner when on-field referee Hooper decided to blow his whistle for a foul on Erling Haaland when Jack Grealish raced through on goal.
After Haaland was fouled by Emerson Royal inside City’s half, Hooper took advantage, but as the Norwegian regained his footing and sent Grealish through on Tottenham’s goal, the official decided to bring play back, much to the chagrin of the Citizens players and supporters.
Haaland was booked after directing his rage at Hooper, while many other Manchester City players surrounded the referee, querying why he blew his whistle at that precise moment.
Guardiola declined to condemn his team’ antics following the game, but Man City has now received a financial penalty from the FA for failing to supervise their players.
“Manchester City FC has been fined £120,000 after their players surrounded a match official during the Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur FC on Sunday 3 December,” the FA said in a statement.
“Manchester City FC admitted that they did not ensure that their players did not act inappropriately during the 94th minute.”
“An independent Regulatory Commission imposed this sanction following a hearing.”
PGMOL chief Howard Webb confirmed last week that the event left Hooper “devastated” and that he made a mistake.
“It’s an official error, and the VAR has no part to play in this,” Webb said on Match Officials Mic’d Up as quoted by the Daily Mail. “For sure he was devastated. He had refereed the game really well for 93 minutes but he knows this is going to be the only talking point really close to the end of the game.
“I understand Manchester City’s disappointment on this one because it would have been a fantastic advantage.” He only had the idea to blow at the wrong time.
“He appeared to be ready to take advantage. You never heard him yell “advantage!” When I asked him about the arm, he replied he didn’t even aware he was doing it.
“It’s a shame for Simon because he would have loved to have taken advantage of him there.” ‘Just hold your hands up,’ I told him later.
“It’s difficult to be annoyed at a remorseful man; express your disappointment in the moment because he was undoubtedly feeling that at the time.” We learned from it, and hopefully he won’t do it again again.”
Man City have won just one of their previous three Premier League games, and they currently sit fourth in the table, five points behind champions Arsenal.
The Citizens have now switched their attention to the Club World Cup and have arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final meeting with Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan.
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