Newcastle United fans spot controversial official in Sunderland derby referee team after Premier League reveal
Anthony Taylor will take charge of Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park, with an assistant referee involved in a controversial Newcastle United FA Cup match also appointed
Newcastle United supporters have reacted with frustration after the Premier League confirmed the officials for Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland at St James’ Park.
The match will be refereed by Anthony Taylor, with Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn operating as assistant referees. Andy Madley has been appointed as fourth official, while Paul Howard will oversee the match as VAR alongside assistant VAR Sian Massey-Ellis.
However, Beswick’s involvement has already drawn attention from sections of the Newcastle fanbase. The assistant referee was part of the officiating team during Newcastle’s FA Cup tie against Aston Villa in February, a match that sparked controversy following a series of contentious decisions.
During that game, referee Chris Kavanagh and his assistants were criticised for several calls, including the opening goal scored by Tammy Abraham. The Villa striker appeared to be in an offside position before tapping home after 14 minutes, but the goal stood.
Because VAR was not in use at that stage of the competition, the decision could not be overturned. Another incident saw Lucas Digne avoid a red card after a late challenge on Jacob Murphy, while there was further confusion later in the match when a handball offence inside the penalty area resulted only in a free-kick outside the box. Despite the controversy, Newcastle ran out 3-1 winners at Villa Park.
Anthony Taylor’s Sunderland record
Taylor also has recent history with Sunderland. The last Premier League match he refereed involving the Black Cats came earlier this season when Sunderland beat Brentford 2-1 at the Stadium of Light on August 30, 2025. The contest proved eventful, with Taylor awarding two penalties during the game.
More recently, Taylor was the referee when Sunderland suffered a shock FA Cup defeat to Port Vale, as Régis Le Bris’ side were beaten by lower-league opposition. His appointment for Sunday’s derby, therefore, adds another layer of scrutiny to a fixture that rarely lacks drama.
Sunderland early team news ahead of Newcastle United clash
Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has admitted his squad are “struggling” with injuries ahead of the trip to St James’ Park. The Black Cats were beaten 1-0 by Brighton at the Stadium of Light last weekend, with former Newcastle winger Yankuba Minteh scoring the only goal of the game.
After the match, Le Bris outlined the challenges his squad are currently facing. “It wasn't possible [to bring Wilson Isidor on] because he got an injury,” he said. “We were really on the edge. We were cautious. We could have pushed him, but it was risky. Rather than taking risks, it was the case for Brian [Brobbey] as well.
“Brian can go all the way, but because we pushed until the end rather than keeping 65-70 minutes because it was the load expected. At the minute, we are struggling a bit. We are just on the edge, but we try our best to keep the team safe.”
Several players are now racing to be fit for the derby. Robin Roefs and Nordi Mukiele both missed the defeat to Brighton but could yet return, while Reinildo Mandava is expected to train again this week. Le Bris also offered an update on other injured players.
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“Dan (Ballard) had discomfort with his hamstring, so we hope it isn't too serious,” he said. “We expect Enzo [Le Fee] to be ready for Newcastle; it might be possible. For Nilson [Angulo], we'll have to wait at least four to six weeks.
“Nordi [Mukiele] is getting better, we'll see for next week. It's always the same: you can take the risk, he might play against Newcastle, but if we lose him for eight weeks after, it doesn't make sense. We are always on the edge, so we'll try to manage the situation properly.”
Newcastle United early team news ahead of Sunderland game
Newcastle United also have a number of injury concerns heading into Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby, with several first-team players either ruled out or being assessed ahead of the clash with Sunderland.
Midfielder Bruno Guimarães will definitely miss the game. The Brazil international has travelled with the squad to Barcelona for their midweek Champions League tie but will not feature as he continues his recovery from a thigh problem. He is expected to return after the upcoming international break. Defender Fabian Schär remains sidelined following ankle surgery earlier this year. The Switzerland international is not expected back until April, leaving Eddie Howe without one of his most experienced centre-backs.
Emil Krafth is also ruled out after undergoing knee surgery in February, with the defender expected to miss the remainder of the season. Young midfielder Lewis Miley is a doubt rather than a confirmed absentee as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury. The teenager has returned to running but has not yet fully rejoined group training. Elsewhere, Sandro Tonali is currently being assessed after missing Newcastle’s recent win over Chelsea due to illness, while Joseph Willock is also under evaluation as he manages a groin issue.
Newcastle’s midweek Champions League match against Barcelona could play a role in clarifying the injury situation further, with Howe expected to provide a clearer update on the fitness of several players ahead of Sunday’s derby against Sunderland.