Premier League make official West Ham vs Newcastle decision after Alan Shearer criticism

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The referee has been confirmed for Newcastle United’s Premier League clash with West Ham United.

The Magpies have to wait until Monday night for their next game, which will be their last before the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.

After Newcastle lost to Brighton in the FA Cup, it is vital that Eddie Howe’s side play well at the London Stadium. They need to build up some momentum ahead of their game at Wembley.

Anthony Gordon will be suspended, as he serves the first of a three-game ban after his red card against Brighton.

Anthony Taylor sent Gordon off after he pushed Seagulls defender Jan Paul van Hecke in the back of the head.

Referee confirmed for West Ham vs Newcastle

Toon fans were furious with Taylor at St James’ Park on Sunday, and will be grateful to know that he is not the referee for their next game.

Instead, it has been announced that Michael Salisbury will be the referee for West Ham United vs Newcastle United.

It is the first time that he has refereed the Magpies this season, with his last Toon game being the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at St James’ Park in February 2024. On that day, Matt Ritchie netted a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time.

Alan Shearer criticised Newcastle referee on his last appearance

Salisbury’s last match was Wolves’ surprise 1-0 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on February 22nd.

On that day, the Cherries were reduced to 10 men by Salisbury, who awarded a red card to Newcastle target Illia Zabarnyi for a foul on Rayan Ait-Nouri.

The Ukrainian defender was initially given a yellow card, only for Salisbury to be told to watch a replay by VAR.

After another inspection, Salisbury changed his initial decision and upgraded the yellow card to a red one. Zabarnyi was sent off, while Bournemouth’s appeal was subsequently rejected by the FA.

Following the decision, Alan Shearer said on Match Of The Day that Salisbury had made a mistake by changing his mind.

“There was a reason why he caught him high, and the reason was because he actually wins the ball and the ball takes him higher than his tackle originally was,” he said.

Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker added: “We think that’s a mistake.”

That mistake cost Bournemouth, and Newcastle and West Ham supporters will be hoping Salisbury does not make any similar errors at the London Stadium on Monday night.