Arsenal have learned which referee will take this weekend’s match against Newcastle United, with the Gunners out for revenge after perceived injustices in the reverse fixture.
Following Arsenal’s Champions League clash away to FC Porto, the Gunners return to Premier League action with a match against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Premier League have confirmed the match officials for the encounter, with Paul Tierney refereeing assisted by Neil Davies and Nick Hopton.
Anthony Taylor will act as the fourth official, with Peter Bankes on VAR alongside assistant VAR Lee Betts.
There will be a particular focus on the officiating of Arsenal’s match against Newcastle this weekend, following the events of the reverse fixture at St. James’ Park.
Mikel Arteta was left furious over Newcastle’s winning goal, with three potential infringements all deemed acceptable by VAR. His post-match comments were investigated by an independent commission, and well over a month later he was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Bruno Guimaraes was also lucky not to be sent off earlier in the game for an arm in Jorginho’s face, and Newcastle themselves felt aggrieved that Kai Havertz got away with a potential red card of his own.
Paul Tierney has refereed 18 Arsenal games in the past, involving seven Arsenal wins and six defeats. But this will be his first game between Arsenal and Newcastle.
We can only hope that Saturday’s fixture goes by without the same level of controversy as the last one.