Premier League make Newcastle United official decision after Liverpool controversy

The Premier League has confirmed the match officials for Crystal Palace versus Newcastle United this evening (kick-off 8pm).

Eddie Howe’s side head to Selhurst Park looking to extend their unbeaten run to five matches on the back of an 10-day break following their 4-0 win over Champions League-chasing Tottenham Hotspur.

And overseeing the fixture is Thomas Bramall, who has twice officiated a Magpies fixture this campaign, including the 2-0 win over Burnley in September and the 4-4 draw with Luton Town in February. Both games saw penalties awarded. Bramall’s only fixture involving Palace came in May last year, which ended in a 1-1 draw at home to Nottingham Forest.

The role of a referee is often scrutinised but Bramall has mostly avoided any negative coverage this term, although was in the spotlight in August when he sent off Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister for a challenge on AFC Bournemouth's Ryan Christie. The Reds successfully appealed the red card and Mac Allister went on to feature in their 2-1 win at Newcastle seven days later.

Speaking about Mac Allister's dismissal, Jurgen Klopp said: “I think the amount of times I was asked about it shows it’s worth discussing again, which we will probably do. I asked Macca and he said, ‘I touched him but not really’. That’s all he told me.

“After the game I saw it back. I think if you have a list of points, what we need to give a red card, besides contact there’s nothing else, no other boxes ticked.

It’s a decision we all agree if he gives a yellow card VAR would not overturn it and if he gives a red card VAR will not overturn it because contact means it’s not a clear and obvious mistake. But now the punishment, 40 minutes with 10 men is already punishment enough. But let’s see, we have to talk to the authorities.”

Bramall will be assisted by Tim Wood and Steve Meredith with Tim Robinson as fourth official. Chris Kavanagh will be the VAR for the match, assisted by Mark Scholes.