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Coote in control at the Amex Stadium
Written by Dan King
David Coote will referee Newcastle United's visit to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday (kick-off 5.30pm GMT).
It's his second match involving the Magpies already this season, as he was the man in the middle for August's 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa. He booked seven players that day, including United's Isaac Hayden, Fabian Schär, Jacob Murphy and Callum Wilson, and awarded the home side a second-half penalty - after a VAR check - which was dispatched by Anwar El Ghazi.
Coote, who started refereeing as a 16-year-old and is now on the FIFA International Referees List, took charge of two Newcastle games last season: the 3-1 home victory over Burnley last October and a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal in January.
In total last year, he officiated 29 matches across the top flight, Championship, FA Cup and UEFA Nations League, showing 98 yellow cards and three red cards.
So far this season, including that game at Villa Park, he has refereed seven matches, showing 27 yellow cards and one red - sending off Michail Antonio of West Ham United at Southampton in September.
Coote's assistants on Saturday will be Nick Hopton and James Mainwaring while Keith Stroud is the fourth official.
At Stockley Park, Craig Pawson will be the Video Assistant Referee and will be assisted by Sian Massey-Ellis.