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Pawson confirmed as referee for Hammers clash
Craig Pawson will referee his second Newcastle United game of the season when West Ham United arrive at St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon (2:15pm kick-off).
The Magpies will be looking to make it six Premier League games unbeaten after Wednesday’s 4-1 win at Bournemouth, with the Hammers seeking more points to pull them away from the relegation zone.
And Sheffield-born official Pawson has been appointed for the fixture, which is his first time in the middle of a United game since September 2019.
On that occasion, the 41-year-old oversaw the 5-0 reverse at Leicester City, in which he issued a straight red card to Isaac Hayden and a yellow to Fabian Schär.
Last term, Pawson refereed three United fixtures: the 0-0 draw at Cardiff City, in which he also sent off Hayden, and the home victories over Watford and Burnley.
The majority of Pawson’s appointments in 2019/20 so far have come in the Premier League, but the Select Group official – who is also on the FIFA International Referees List – has also taken charge of games in the Championship, FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League, as well Kazakhstan’s 2-1 defeat to Cyprus in the European Championship qualifiers.
Across 29 games this season, he has dished out a total of 122 yellow cards and three reds, including Hayden’s dismissal at the King Power Stadium.
Pawson will be assisted by Richard West and Eddie Smart on Sunday, while Tony Harrington will be the fourth official.
Wade Smith is listed as the replacement official and Simon Hooper will be VAR, assisted by Derek Eaton.