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Marriner in the middle on Saturday
Written by Tom Easterby
Andre Marriner has been confirmed as the referee for Newcastle United's penultimate home game of the season against Liverpool on Saturday (12:30pm kick-off).
United welcome Jurgen Klopp's men to St. James' Park as they look to consolidate their place in the top half of the table – while the visitors aim for the victory that would keep them in the hunt for the title.
And Marriner, part of the top flight’s Select Group of officials for the past 17 years, has been chosen to oversee the contest.
The Birmingham-born whistler began his career in his hometown's amateur leagues before progressing to the Football League, initially as an assistant referee, in 2000.
Three years later he became a league referee and by the end of 2004 he had officiated in the Premier League. He was awarded the FA Cup final in 2013, keeping order in Wigan Athletic's win over Manchester City at Wembley, and was a FIFA-listed international official between 2009 and 2017.
Saturday's game will be just his second visit to Tyneside this term, with his only previous appointment involving United coming in their 3-2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in October. It was an eventful afternoon for Marriner; in the Magpies' first game under new ownership, he had to stop play as a supporter received emergency medical treatment in the first half. The 51-year-old dished out seven yellow cards, too, including two for Jonjo Shelvey who was dismissed late on.
So far this season, Marriner has issued a total of 76 yellow cards and three reds across 24 fixtures in Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Championship.
He will be assisted by Simon Long and Scott Ledger this weekend, with Andy Madley named as the fourth official. Mike Dean has been tasked with being the VAR for the match, and will have help from Darren Cann.