Premier League make Newcastle United & Tottenham official decision after 'ridiculous' Leeds claim

The Premier League has confirmed the match officials for Newcastle United versus Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon (kick-off 12:30pm).

Eddie Howe’s side welcome Champions League-chasing Tottenham Hotspur to St James’ Park - 12 months on from that incredible 6-1 demolition - and overseeing the encounter is Tim Robinson.

Robinson is officiating his fourth Magpies fixture this campaign, including convincing home wins against Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and a 3-0 defeat away to Everton.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have had Robinson twice this term, the first ending in a 2-0 victory against AFC Bournemouth and the second a 2-1 defeat at Wolves.

Robinson comes into the game on the back of some major controversy. The West Sussex-born official was referee for the 0-0 between Leeds United and Sunderland on Tuesday night and Leeds were denied a penalty when Robinson missed a clear handball by Luke O’Nien.

Former Manchester City, Everton and Sheffield Wednesday full-back turned EFL expert Andy Hinchcliffe was exasperated by the decision.

Hinchcliffe said: "That is clearly handball. Luke O'Nien, his right arm is up and virtually punches the ball O'Nien. That is ridiculous. If the referee can't see it, he can't give it. Is the referee blocked off? Possibly.

"What is O'Nien thinking? The referee's assistant has a decent...you see the arm clearly come up and hit the ball."

Robinson will be assisted by Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn, while Stuart Attwell and Sian Massey-Ellis are on VAR. The fourth official is Oliver Langford.

Both Newcastle and Spurs will be hoping for a drama-free afternoon as they look to fulfil their own European aspirations. While Tottenham are targeting the top four, United have set their sights on finishing seventh which, as it stands, would secure a Europa Conference League spot.