BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Dejected players of Newcastle United after conceding the second goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park on April 15, 2023 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
The Premier League has confirmed the officials for the match between Burnley and Newcastle United.
The match officials for Burnley vs. Newcastle United this afternoon (kick-off at 3pm) have been confirmed by the Premier League. At Turf Moor, it’s a crucial game for both teams as Eddie Howe’s club is vying for European qualifying and the host team is trying to increase their chances of survival.
Anthony Taylor is in charge of the match; he last officiated Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain. Taylor will officiate his fourth game for the Magpies this season; the three prior ones included controversial penalty calls.
The last time Taylor was in charge, United defeated Nottingham Forest 3-2. That was in February. With the score at 2-2, Taiwo Awoniyi went down after challenges from Sven Botman and Martin Dubravka, giving the hosts the impression that they were not awarded a penalty.
“We should have had a penalty,” stated Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo. I repeatedly watched the replay. It’s really evident when you watch it on VAR, which is why I don’t understand [the judgment]. We had two opportunities to come back from behind and take the lead, so I believe that this was the pivotal moment. That was undoubtedly a pivotal time.
On New Year’s Day, Diogo Jota was brought down within the penalty area after Dubravka made only slight touch, and Taylor gave Liverpool a penalty. Although Newcastle lost 4-1 at Anfield, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer strongly objected to the spot-kick decision.
Additionally, Taylor gave Newcastle a penalty kick in the 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers in October of last year after it was determined that Hwang Hee-chan had fouled Fabian Schar. Gary O’Neil, the Wolves manager, called the choice “scandalous.”
“The first half ended without a penalty. Remarkable judgment, horrible on-field decision, and appalling VAR all failed to step in. I believed they made a grave error.
After making a great touch for the penalty, Hwang tries to clear the ball but hardly makes any contact with Schar—just a quick glance with his boot. It was a bad judgment because Schar was already falling and the ball hit Channy before he made contact with Schar, allowing Schar to collect the ball before he made contact.
Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn, and Tom Bramall will support Taylor, with Tom Bramall serving as the fourth official. Nick Greenhalgh will provide assistance to John Brooks as the VAR.
