FA make official Newcastle United announcement ahead of Sunderland FA Cup tie

Craig Pawson has been appointed as match referee for Saturday's Tyne-Wear derby clash between Sunderland and Newcastle United (kick-off 12:45pm).

The two clubs meet for the first time since March 2016 in what was a 1-1 draw at St James' Park. Jermaine Defoe opened the scoring before a late goal from Aleksandar Mitrovic rescued a point for United.

The Magpies were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season but swapped places with Sunderland a year later. The Black Cats then dropped into League One and spent four years there before returning to the Championship in 2022.

In that time, Newcastle have changed owners and qualified for the Champions League under Eddie Howe, however head to Wearside having lost seven of their last eight matches in all competitions. Meanwhile, Sunderland sit sixth in the second-tier table with new boss Michael Beale winning two, drawing one and losing one of his opening games in charge.

The Stadium of Light is expected to be a hostile place come kick-off and the FA have turned to a Premier League referee to oversee proceedings.

Pawson was the man in the middle for Newcastle's home fixture against Brentford in September, a game which was won 1-0 by Howe's side after the Sheffield-born official awarded a penalty for a foul on Anthony Gordon. Callum Wilson converted.

The 44-year-old whistler - a FIFA listed referee since 2015 - has taken charge of 16 games so far this season across the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Carabao Cup and Euro 2024 qualifying.

Pawson will be assisted by Marc Perry and Steven Meredith with Andrew Madley as fourth official. There is no VAR in operation.