It is rare that Richard Keys is not outraged, and that continues to be the case following an announcement about Newcastle United vs Manchester City.
After the highs of beating Sunderland in the FA Cup, the Magpies now turn their attention back to the Premier League.
They welcome Manchester City to St James’ Park, in what will be Newcastle’s final game before a two week break. After Saturday’s match, Eddie Howe‘s team will not play again until the final weekend in January, when they will take on Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round.
The clash with Manchester City is going to be a really tough game for Newcastle, at a time when they are struggling for form in the Premier League. The Magpies have dropped down to ninth in the table after three consecutive defeats.
Three could become four on Saturday, and it has now been announced who will be refereeing the Premier League clash between Newcastle United and Manchester City.
Chris Kavanagh to referee Newcastle United vs Manchester City
It has been confirmed that Chris Kavanagh will be the man in the middle at St James’ Park on Saturday evening.
This comes after he took charge of the 0-0 FA Cup draw between Crystal Palace and Everton. That game hit the headlines due to a shocking decision by Kavanagh, who sent Dominic Calvert-Lewin off for a rather straightforward challenge.
The Everton forward’s suspension has now been overturned, but there will be no punishment for the official.
Instead, he will be in the middle for Newcastle vs Man City on Saturday, much to the shock of Richard Keys.
He wrote on X: “You can’t make this up. Chris Kavanagh who oversaw DCL appealed s/o gets Newcastle/City & VAR for Utd/Spurs this w/e. Altrincham based Antony Taylor conned by Fernandes gets Chelsea. Pawson gets Brighton. Salisbury Sheff Utd. They should all be given the w/e off to study.”
Under fire Kavanagh has refereed Newcastle four times this season
The decision to send Calvert-Lewin off was ridiculous, but there will be no ramifications for Kavanagh. Instead, he is being given one of the Premier League’s biggest games this weekend.
The announcement has enraged Keys, just days after the presenter was infuriated about Newcastle’s celebrations following their win over Sunderland. Just calm down, Richard…
Keys has complained about various other referees being appointed, suggesting they should all be given the weekend off to ‘study’. But if that were to happen, who would take charge of the games? Obviously the standard of refereeing is not good enough right now, but binning them all off isn’t the answer.
Saturday’s game will be the fifth time that Kavanagh has refereed Newcastle this season. He has overseen three Premier League defeats, taking charge of the games against Tottenham, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.
He was also the referee for the League Cup victory over Manchester City, so it will be the second time that he has taken charge of this fixture this season.
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