Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland and Newcastle United face each other for the first time in almost eight years.
Craig Pawson has been named referee for Saturday’s Tyne-Wear derby between Sunderland and Newcastle United (kickoff 12:45pm).
The two clubs meet for the first time since a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park in March 2016. Jermaine Defoe scored first, but Aleksandar Mitrovic’s late goal saved a point for United.
The Magpies were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season, however they were replaced by Sunderland the following season. The Black Cats were consequently relegated to League One, where they remained for four years before returning to the Championship in 2022.
Newcastle have changed owners and qualified for the Champions League under Eddie Howe during that period, but they come to Wearside having lost seven of their past eight matches in all competitions. Sunderland, meanwhile, are sixth in the second-tier league, with new manager Michael Beale winning two, drawing one, and losing one of his first three games in charge.
The FA has appointed a Premier League referee to oversee proceedings at the Stadium of Light, which is expected to be a hostile environment come kickoff.
Pawson was the referee for Newcastle’s home game against Brentford in September, which Howe’s team won 1-0 after the Sheffield-born official awarded a penalty for a foul on Anthony Gordon. Callum Wilson scored.
The 44-year-old whistler, who has been a FIFA listed referee since 2015, has presided over 16 games this season in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Carabao Cup, and Euro 2024 qualifying.
Marc Perry and Steven Meredith will aid Pawson, with Andrew Madley serving as the fourth official. There is no VAR in place.
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