Graham Scott has been confirmed as the referee for Newcastle United’s Premier League game at Crystal Palace on Friday night (8pm kick-off).
Scott will be the man in the middle of the clash at Selhurst Park as the Magpies look to make a return to winning ways following last weekend’s home defeat to Chelsea.
The 52-year-old will be taking charge of his first United game of the season, having overseen three fixtures involving Steve Bruce’s side last term.
Scott was the official tasked with keeping order in the 1-1 draw with Watford at St. James’ Park last season, while he also refereed the 4-1 FA Cup third round replay win over Rochdale and the 1-0 win over Southampton in the league – Newcastle’s final fixture before the first nationwide lockdown.
The Oxfordshire-born referee – who has been a top flight official since 2015, having worked his way up through the lower-league pyramid from the mid-2000s – has taken charge of seven matches so far in 2020/21 across the Premier League, Championship and Carabao Cup.
He has issued two red cards already this term – to Sheffield United’s John Egan and Fulham’s Aboubakar Kamara – and a total of 18 yellow cards. Scott has issued at least one yellow in each game he’s overseen, meaning he is yet to keep his cards pocketed since the start of the campaign.
Peter Kirkup and Simon Long will assist Scott on Friday night, with Michael Salisbury taking up the role of fourth official.
Jarred Gillett will be the VAR, assisted by Edward Smart.