Premier League confirm Newcastle United official decision after Liverpool controversy
The Premier League has confirmed the match officials for Saturday’s clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe’s side arrive in North London sitting fifth in the top-flight table following four straight wins, which includes 13 goals scored and zero conceded. Meanwhile, a depleted Spurs have won just one of their last eight matches.
Overseeing the fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is Andy Madley, who came under criticism when officiating the Magpies’ 3-3 draw against Liverpool on December 4.
Virgil van Dijk used his shoulder to hit Anthony Gordon in the face after the winger was denied by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher in a one-on-one. VAR reviewed the incident but took no further action, leaving Newcastle boss Howe surprised.
“I think VAR did look at it and concluded nothing happened so I have to accept that,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “I was [surprised] initially yeah.”
With the game level at 2-2, Alexander Isak was tripped by Jarrell Quansah in the area but Madley and VAR waved away Newcastle’s penalty appeals.
Then, right at the death, Nick Pope launched his side on a promising counter-attack only for Madley to blow for full-time. Pope was shown a yellow card for his protests.
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“I thought it was a penalty on Alex but I haven’t seen a replay, that was just an initial thought,” said Howe.
“I’m surprised by the final whistle because I think we spent around two minutes on a free-kick in extra-time but I was expecting seven minutes to be played. I think it was 5:15 when he has blown so that was a blow because it looked like we were in a good position.”
Madley will be assisted by Nick Hopton and Craig Taylor with Lewis Smith as the fourth official. On VAR duty are Chris Kavanagh and Sian Massey-Ellis.