The match officials for Newcastle United’s final game of the 2019/20 season have been confirmed, with Anthony Taylor set to referee Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool (4pm kick-off).
Wythenshawe-born whistler Taylor, who is regarded as one of English football’s most accomplished officials, has been appointed for the clash at St. James’ Park which sees Steve Bruce’s men bring the curtain down on the campaign.
Taylor began his career in the Northern Premier League 18 years ago, progressing through the ranks to become a Football League referee in 2006. He has been a top flight referee for a decade now, and was added to the FIFA International Referees List in 2013.
While most of the 41-year-old’s appointments have come in the Premier League this term, he has also overseen matches in the Champions League, Europa League and a handful of FA Cup ties and European Championship qualifiers.
It will be just the second time Taylor has taken charge of a game involving the Magpies this term, though. He was the man in the middle of Newcastle’s 3-2 FA Cup victory at West Bromwich Albion in March, with Karl Darlow, Danny Rose and Nabil Bentaleb all going in the book.
Sunday’s game will be Taylor’s 45th outing of the campaign in all competitions. In that time, he has issued a total of 185 yellow cards and eight reds.
Gary Beswick and James Mainwaring will assist Taylor when the champions visit Tyneside at the weekend, with Matthew Donohue the fourth official and Wade Smith the replacement official.
John Brooks and Scott Ledger will fill the roles of VAR and assistant VAR respectively.