Newcastle United v Liverpool: Premier League make ‘controversial’ call regarding fixture

The Premier League has confirmed the officials for Sunday afternoon’s clash between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James’ Park (kick-off 4:30pm).

Eddie Howe’s side welcome the Reds to Tyneside for their third game of the 2023-24 season. The Magpies beat Aston Villa 5-1 in their opener before narrowly losing to champions Manchester City last Saturday. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp’s men have drawn with Chelsea and beaten AFC Bournemouth 3-1.

However, Liverpool‘s victory over the Cherries last week wasn’t without its controversy when referee Thomas Bramall showed a red card to Alexis Mac Allister in the 58th minute following a challenge on Ryan Christie. The incident was reviewed by Paul Tierney and Constantine Hatzidakis in the VAR booth and the on-field decision stood.

Klopp’s side decided to launch an appeal and the Argentine’s pending three-match man was successfully overturned. Interestingly though, Hatzidakis, who was on assistant VAR duty, has been appointed in the same position for the Newcastle-Liverpool match.

That has left some Liverpool supporters questioning the decision. One fan tweeted: “Mac Allister card overturned yet Constantine Hatzidakis who was on VAR that game will still be on VAR for the Newcastle game. Greatest league in the world.”

Partnering Hatzidakis in VAR at Stockley Park is Stuart Attwell. Meanwhile, John Brooks has been appointed as referee with Lee Betts and Akil Howson as his assistants. Craig Pawson is the fourth official.

Brooks was the man in the middle for three Newcastle games last season, overseeing the 5-1 win against Brentford, the 1-0 victory at home to Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup and the 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa in April.

The Leicestershire-born official will referee his first Liverpool game since the 1-1 draw at home to Villa in May, where the Merseyside club contacted the PGMOL for clarity on the decisions to disallow Cody Gakpo’s goal and not send off Tyrone Mings for a high challenge on the Dutchman.