UEFA make unique appointment for USG vs Newcastle United

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The referee has been confirmed for Newcastle United’s Champions League clash with Union Saint-Gilloise.

The Magpies are in Brussels for their game against the Belgian champions on Wednesday night, as they aim to pick up their first Champions League points of the season.

Newcastle are boosted by Fabian Schar and Lewis Hall returning, with the duo pictured boarding the flight to Belgium.

They both feature in Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face USG, with Eddie Howe expected to make changes to his side.

Rockstar referee in charge of Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle United

Ahead of the game, it has been announced that Urs Schnyder will be the referee.

He is a 39-year-old official from Switzerland who took charge of two Champions League games last season, one of which saw him dish out nine yellow cards and award two penalties.

Schnyder is not shy when it comes to producing cards, giving out 42 yellows and two reds across multiple competitions this season. That includes a game in Saudi Arabia, with Schnyder officiating Al-Nassr vs Al-Riyadh recently.

Most interestingly, the man in charge of Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle United is also in a band.

Schnyder is a member of rock band Preamp Disaster. They have been together since 2007, with Schnyder playing guitar and providing vocals.

On being in the band, Schnyder told Blue News: “I can no longer imagine life without my band. It’s become an important outlet for me. I really need it. When I’m on tour with the guys for a weekend, I can also recharge my batteries.”

Newcastle United’s Champions League officials are related

It has also been announced that Schnyder’s assistants will be Marco Zurcher and Benjamin Zurcher.

Eagle-eyed readers will notice they share the same surname, and that is because they are brothers.

It will be a family affair when Newcastle United face Union SG, as they attempt to kickstart their Champions League campaign following a loss to Barcelona in the opening week of the competition.

As for Union SG, they already have three points on the board after beating PSV Eindhoven. Union SG have started the 2025/26 season strongly, and Newcastle will have to be at their best to pick up their first away win in the Champions League since February 2003.