One of the world's top referees was spotted by fans in a Newcastle United top before the Magpies' draw against Manchester United on Monday evening.
Referee Michael Oliver, who is from Ashington and is a Newcastle United supporter, was photographed in the Clock pub in Newcastle having a beer before the match.
A photograph of Oliver being embraced by two Newcastle fans was then tweeted by the account @toon_fans along with a compliment for the Northumberland official.
The user @toon_fans tweeted: "Michael Oliver in The Clock tonight for a few pre match pints before he cheers on the Mighty Mags! It’s only right the best ref in the world is part of the worlds best fan base!"
Oliver, who referees in the Premier League and Champions League, has been open about his support for Newcastle. In an interview with the Mail Online earlier this year, he discussed VAR and his experience as a fan.
He said: "I went to Sheffield United with Newcastle as a fan in the away end last season and we thought we had had a goal disallowed. Jonjo Shelvey scored it and then there was a wait for the decision because the flag went up.
"It was subsequently given with VAR and that was almost a bigger celebration in the away end because you haven’t scored and then you have. Yes, you lose some spontaneity but I think 95 per cent of the goals that are given still stand.”
Oliver was back officiating in the Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool on Tuesday night.
