EFL make Newcastle United v Arsenal official decision for Carabao Cup semi-final tie
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It’s advantage Newcastle, with Eddie Howe’s side leading 2-0 from the first leg following goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
Four weeks on, and the momentum has changed slightly. Newcastle have lost back-to-back games at St James’ Park against AFC Bournemouth and Fulham, while Arsenal are flying high after Sunday’s 5-1 win over Premier League champions Manchester City.
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Hide AdOverseeing the fixture on Tyneside is Simon Hooper, who takes charge of his fourth game involving Newcastle this campaign. Hooper was the man in the middle for away defeats at Chelsea and Brentford before officiating the Magpies’ 2-0 win at Manchester United in December.
The Wiltshire referee showed Fabian Schar a yellow card at Old Trafford. It was the former Switzerland international’s fifth of the campaign, which forced him to miss the 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur five days later.
Hooper will be assisted by Adrian Holmes and Simon Long with Thomas Bramall as the fourth official. John Brooks is on VAR duty, assisted by Nick Hopton.
The EFL have also confirmed a VAR trial which will see the referee make in-stadium announcements following any pitchside monitor visits.
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Hide AdAn EFL statement read: "VAR will be in place for this season’s Carabao Cup Semi-Finals, along with the first use of in-stadium VAR announcements in English football. As part of the trial, referees will announce (over the stadium public address system) the final decision following a visit to the VAR pitchside monitor, or upon the conclusion of factual matters such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside judgements. Only the final decision will be announced in the stadium.”
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