Aston Villa fans won’t be happy with major decision ahead of Newcastle United clash after Yoane Wissa incident

Aston Villa fans won’t be happy with major decision ahead of Newcastle United clash after Yoane Wissa incident

Newcastle United v Aston Villa: Referee confirmed for crucial Premier League clash

The Premier League and PGMOL have confirmed the match officials for Newcastle United’s upcoming home fixture against Aston Villa, a contest that could play a major role in shaping both sides’ European ambitions.

Eddie Howe’s side welcome Villa to St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm. The two teams shared the points in a drab 0-0 draw when they met earlier in the campaign in August, a period when both clubs were struggling to find rhythm and consistency.

Since then, Unai Emery’s Villa have gathered momentum and arrive on Tyneside sitting ten points above Newcastle in the Premier League standings. With difficult away trips to Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City looming before the end of February, the Magpies will be keen to maximise their home advantage this weekend as they prepare for a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.

Last season’s meeting between the two sides at St James’ Park was anything but quiet. Newcastle ran out 3-0 winners in a fiery encounter that saw Aston Villa reduced to ten men before half-time after Jhon Duran was shown a red card by referee Anthony Taylor. Tensions spilled over into the tunnel at the break, leading to dismissals for members of both backroom staffs, including Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall.

Tindall later stole the headlines after the final whistle by appearing in a festive ‘Last Christmas’-themed jumper as Newcastle celebrated a Boxing Day victory that strengthened their push for Champions League qualification.

Gillett appointed to oversee Sunday’s fixture

For this weekend’s encounter, Australian referee Jarred Gillett has been appointed to take charge. The 39-year-old has officiated one Newcastle match this season, overseeing their home defeat to Arsenal in December.

Gillett has yet to referee Aston Villa in the current campaign, with his most recent Villa assignment dating back to April, when Emery’s side recorded a 4-1 win over Newcastle at Villa Park.

Earlier in that same month, Gillett was in the middle for Villa’s 1-0 victory over Brentford, a match that sparked controversy involving Villa captain John McGinn and then-Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, who has since joined Newcastle. McGinn was booked following a collision with Wissa, although replays later suggested there was no contact between the pair.

Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett was critical of the decision at the time, questioning when officials would begin punishing simulation rather than penalising innocent players. He also pointed out that VAR was unable to intervene to correct the error, insisting McGinn should not have been shown a yellow card.

That match also saw a Villa goal ruled out, while Brentford had two penalty appeals dismissed by Gillett.

Full match officials confirmed

Gillett will be supported by assistant referees Neil Davies and Steve Meredith at St James’ Park. Rob Jones has been named as the fourth official, while John Brooks will oversee VAR duties from Stockley Park, assisted by Gary Beswick.