Premier League make Aston Villa official decision after Newcastle United & Liverpool complaint

John Brooks has been appointed as match referee for the Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Newcastle United on Tuesday evening (kick-off 8:15pm).

The only Magpies fixture the Leicestershire-based referee has officiated this campaign was the late 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at St James' Park in August, with both Eddie Howe and Jurgen Klopp unhappy with some of Brooks' decision.

The first incident saw Trent Alexander-Arnold avoid a second yellow card early in the first-half. The right-back was booked for kicking the ball away but avoided another moments later when he hauled down Anthony Gordon.

Gary Neville and Alan Shearer believed Alexander-Arnold was lucky to stay on the pitch, and Howe was certainly in agreement. He said: “You don’t want to see players get sent off but I thought the ref got that one wrong."

However, there was a sending off in the match. After Gordon put Newcastle ahead, Virgil Van Dijk was shown a straight red card for bringing down Alexander Isak as raced in behind. It was decision Klopp didn't think was correct.

The Reds boss said: "I don’t think it is a red card. It’s pretty much no contact, very little, and it’s on the way to the ball, but what can I say? The decision is like this, I cannot change it and I don’t want it. It’s just, would I give this in a training game? Definitely not. There are reasons why I am not a ref and they are."

Van Dijk was due to serve a one-match ban but it was increased to two after the Dutch was charged by the FA for acting in a "improper manner" when sent off. However, the drama didn't cost Liverpool three points as substitute Darwin Nunez netted a late brace.

In terms of Aston Villa, Brooks' two games involving them this campaign has ended in wins against Manchester City and Luton Town. Brooks will be assisted by Lee Betts and Akil Howson with Andy Madley and Harry Lennard on VAR duty. Michael Salisbury is the fourth official.