Simon Hooper – the referee who was roundly criticised for disallowing Cameron Jerome's 'goal' on the opening day of last season – will take charge of Norwich City's match at Derby County on Saturday.

Hooper's involvement will no doubt be viewed as controversial given the circumstances of his last appearance in a Canaries game.

The Wiltshire official found himself at the centre of a storm when he disallowed an effort by Jerome on day one of the Premier League season, against Crystal Palace.

The official claimed Jerome's feet were dangerously high as he scissor-kicked the ball into the net – although replays suggested that the only element of danger was caused by Palace defender Damien Delaney, who made a deliberate movement towards the ball.

Minutes before the incident, Nathan Redmond had pulled a goal back for City, who were trailing 2-1 when Jerome's effort was disallowed, making the incident even more pivotal.

City also had a penalty appeal rejected when Conor Wickham pushed over Sebastien Bassong and went on to lose the game 3-1.

Hooper – who is not one of the select group of Premier League officials – has not officiated in the Premier League since then, with his appearances restricted to Football League and cup competitions.

The City game was his first in the top flight and afterwards it was questioned by former Premier League ref Mark Halsey who said at the time: 'The first weekend of the season is not the time to be trialing a Football League referee. By next week he'll be back in the Football League, this is just a one off game to see how he does.'

Hooper's assistants on Saturday will be Philip Dermott and Christopher Akers.