FA make Newcastle United official decision after 'horrible' Chelsea incident

Jarred Gillett has been appointed as match referee for Newcastle United's FA Cup fifth round clash away to Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night (kick-off 7:45pm).

The Australian was the man in the middle for the Magpies' 2-0 win at Fulham in the last round and escaped controversy, unlike his previous fixture involving Eddie Howe's men.

In United's Carabao Cup quarter-final clash versus Chelsea in December, Gillett opted against handing Moises Caicedo a straight red card for a nasty tackle on Anthony Gordon inside the opening stages.

Gillett cautioned the £115million-rated midfielder but with no VAR in place, he was unable to take a second look. Howe later revealed his fury at the challenge, which eventually forced Gordon to withdraw in the second-half.

"Anthony was sore, it was a horrible challenge on him I thought having reviewed it," said Howe. "Really disappointed with the tackle. He’s sore but we’ll see how he is today, hopefully, he’ll improve quickly."

The Blues went on to beat Newcastle 4-2 on penalties to advance into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. Callum Wilson opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge but a last-minute Kieran Trippier error gifted Mykhailo Mudryk an equaliser.

Howe's side are bidding to become only the second Newcastle team to reach the quarter finals of FA Cup in 18 years. They are also looking to bounce back from Saturday's 4-1 hammering at Premier League title challengers Arsenal.

Gillett will be assisted by Darren Cann and Wade Smith while Stephen Martin is the fourth official. There is no VAR in operation with the tie taking place at a Championship club's stadium.