The first Tyne-Wear derby in more than seven years is on the horizon, and Newcastle United will be buoyed by one factor already.
All season, Newcastle United fans have had to endure stick from their Sunderland rivals for the league positions of the two teams. That could all change after Sunday’s match.
Give us your predictions for the first derby of the season! Use the comment button below to get involved.
The score when Newcastle United visit Sunderland will be….
If Newcastle beat the Black Cats they will climb above them in the Premier League table. Indeed, that’s all Newcastle fans want this week.
Regardless of history or form, both sides will be well up for this game. But, it sounds like Newcastle may have got a little helping hand already.
- READ MORE: Eddie Howe must make controversial Newcastle United decision with Sunderland on the horizon
Sunderland vs Newcastle United referee revealed
Obviously, all referees are entirely impartial. There’s no way that the match officials for Sunday’s game will be biased one way or another and they certainly won’t let past events influence their decisions at the Stadium of Light.
However, the referee for the game is Peter Bankes, and he’s been pretty kind to Newcastle already this season.
Bankes oversaw the wins over Fulham and Nottingham Forest, awarding a penalty in the latter. If you remember, that was the moment when Nick Woltemade scored an incredible spot-kick.
Admittedly, Bankes did get some stick for not addressing the fact that Fulham players were pulling Woltemade’s shirt during that particular game, but I guess you can’t get everything right.
Meanwhile, Bankes will be joined by Eddie Smart and Blake Antrobus as his linesmen, while Simon Hooper is on fourth official duty.
Stuart Attwell is in charge of VAR on the day. He’s the man who awarded two penalties on Saturday during the win over Burnley; one for Newcastle, and one against them.
We cannot predict the future, but the odds tell us a penalty may well be given in the Tyne-Wear derby.
Peter Bankes has had his fair share of controversies in the past
One thing’s for sure: Peter Bankes will be hoping the big game goes without a hitch. But, like any referee, he’s had his fair share of controversial moments in the past.
He’s had issues with Man United, most notably in a game against Bournemouth last season. During that game, Bankes failed to show a red card to the Cherries after a dangerous foul, he incorrectly booked Patrick Dorgu, and was accused of bias against the Red Devils. There were even calls for a replay of the game.
How has Newcastle United’s win over Burnley made you feel about next week’s trip to Sunderland? 👀
To me, it feels like the win over West Ham before the cup final. Far from pretty, but does raise some confidence…
Then, back in 2022, Bankes showed a yellow card to Brighton’s Lewis Dunk for a foul on Anthony Elanga, who was at Man United at the time. The decision was eventually upgraded to a red card after VAR intervention, but United players surrounded the referee and were subsequently charged by the FA.
Interestingly, Bankes also sent off Nuno Espirito Santo during his short reign at Tottenham Hotspur, in a game against Newcastle no less.
Sign up to TalkingPoints for free to join the conversation about all things Newcastle United with Geordie Boot Boys!
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
