John Brooks is the referee for Sunday’s clash with Newcastle United, Lee Betts and Akil Howson be his assistants and Stuart Atwell on VAR
John Brooks has been appointed as the referee for Liverpool’s clash with Newcastle United on Sunday.
Lee Betts and Akil Howson will be his assistants at St James’ Park with Craig Pawson as the fourth official. Stuart Attwell will be at Stockley Park in charge of the VAR with Constantine Hatzkidakis offering support.
It is the second match running that Hatzkidakis will be in UB11 for a Liverpool match after being in the same role for the Reds’ 3-1 win over AFC Bournemouth on Saturday. The triumph over the Cherries wasn’t short of controversy as there was complaints over the penalty which Jurgen Klopp’s side was awarded on Saturday after Joe Rothwell fouled Dominik Szoboszlai.
The biggest talking point came before the hour mark when Alexis Mac Allister was shown a straight red card for a tackle on former Celtic attacker Ryan Christie. Despite the protestations from the Argentine and Liverpool,
Brooks returns to the middle after he was in charge of West Ham United’s 3-1 win over Chelsea at the London Stadium. It was a busy afternoon for Leicestershire official after showing six yellows, including a second caution and subsequent red card to Nayef Aguerd for a lunge on Nicolas Jackson.
Both teams were awarded a penalty on Sunday, which were converted. The encounter with the Magpies marks just the third clash that Brooks will be in charge of involving Liverpool.
During his Premier League career, the Reds are yet to come out with a positive result in a match oversaw by Brooks. Last season, he was in charge of Liverpool’s shock 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth before the penultimate game of the season with Aston Villa.
Roberto Firmino scored late on to salvage a point after Jacob Ramsey opened the scoring. Unai Emery’s side missed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Ollie Watkins fired wide from the spot.
However, that encounter was also subject to controversy as Tyrone Mings avoided a red card after a high challenge on Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman also saw his second-half effort chalked off
Liverpool face Newcastle United on Sunday, August 27, at St James’ Park (4:30pm kick-off).
