Newcastle United fans have reacted in disbelief to the news that Craig Pawson will be the man in the middle for the upcoming clash with Manchester United.
The South Yorkshire official was the VAR for the Magpies' home defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, and will be now be the referee for the visit of the Red Devils on December 27.
Pawson's decision not to overturn Martin Atkinson's on-field decision and award Newcastle a penalty following the collision between Ederson and Ryan Fraser has been heavily condemned.
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Magpies legend Alan Shearer branded the decision 'absolutely disgusting', and insisted the officials behind the technology have not been up to scratch.
It was the latest in a series of controversial decisions to go against Newcastle last week, with the Telegraph reporting the club is due to make a formal complaint to the Premier League over the standards of officiating.
Pawson was in charge for the same fixture last season when the Red Devils secured a 4-1 victory at St James' Park in October 2020.
The referee will be assisted on Sunday by Ian Hussin and Darren Cann, while Anthony Taylor will be the fourth official. Peter Bankes will be on VAR duty at Stockley Park, assisted by Timothy Wood.
Here is how Newcastle United fans reacted to the announcement that Pawson will be in charge.
'Crying'
'Definitely getting done over'
'Dive at every opportunity'
'Don't give them another penalty'
'Finding a way out'
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'Makes sense'
'Oh dear'
