Premier League confirm Newcastle United & West Ham official decision after 'cheating' claim

Eddie Howe’s side are looking to record a fourth successive victory following wins against Chelsea, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, while under-fire Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui needs a performance to ease talk surrounding his future.

Appointed as referee is Craig Pawson, a decision that may prove controversial in the eyes of the Magpies.

Pawson was the man in the middle for their 1-0 opening day win over Southampton and controversially sent off Fabian Schar in the 28th minute for a supposed headbutt on Ben Brereton Diaz.

The Saints attacker barged into Schar, despite Pawson stopping play for a free-kick. Schar reacted by squaring up to Brereton Diaz, who quickly flung himself to the ground.

Pawson pulled out a red card and VAR agreed with the on-field decision, despite replays showing the contact was minimal. Newcastle played over an hour with 10 men but Joelinton managed to snatch a winner.

Howe admitted he thought the decision was “harsh” while former Toon boss Graeme Souness didn’t hold back, accusing Brereton-Diaz of cheating.

“If we walked out on the street right now and asked 10 people who are football supporters (to name) the most frustrating thing in football, what would all 10 say?” he asked. “Simulation - cheating. Diaz cheated.

“I personally think the referee should go to the screen, look at it (again), send Diaz off and book Schar. He cheated! Schar put his head towards him, there was no action of headbutting. 

“There was no action to say ‘I’m going to try and hurt you’. For me, Diaz threw himself to the ground - that is a red card. You're trying to deceive me, the people in the stadium and wider audience watching on the TV.

“You have to stamp that out. That’s the worst thing that frustrates supporters more than anything else.”

Since then, Pawson refereed Newcastle’s goalless draw at Everton. He awarded a penalty to Howe’s side after James Tarkowski pulled Sandro Tonali to the ground. Anthony Gordon, however, saw the resulting spot-kick saved by Jordan Pickford.

On the same evening, Adoulaye Doucoure saw a header ruled out for offside while Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a penalty appeal turned down following a tackle from Dan Burn.

Pawson will be assisted by Eddie Smart and Nick Greenhalgh at St James’ Park with Tony Harrington as the fourth official. Chris Kavanagh and Tim Wood are on VAR duty.