The Premier League match officials for Saturday’s home game between Newcastle United and West Ham United (12:30 pm kickoff) have been confirmed. The Magpies will be playing their first game back after the international break at St James’ Park, with Rob Jones officiating the contest. Jones has officiated three Newcastle games this season; his final match was in December, when Eddie Howe’s team defeated Manchester United 1-0.
Jones officiated Newcastle’s 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United in November as well as their 1-0 league loss to Manchester City in August. Although Jones has managed to steer clear of any significant controversy throughout his Newcastle games this season, Nottingham Forest filed an official complaint early in the season due to his decisions.
In December, during a 3-2 loss to Bournemouth, Jones dismissed Forest defender Willy Boly for a second bookable offense. In August, he was also on VAR duty when Manchester United won a late penalty and Joe Worrall was sent off for Forest in a 3-2 loss.
In November 2021, Jones managed Eddie Howe’s first Newcastle game as head coach as the two teams drew 3-3 at St James’ Park against Brentford. Since then, the Magpies have triumphed in all five of their home games off referee Jones.
Wade Smith and Ian Hussin will support Jones, and Darren Bond will serve as the fourth official. Eddie Smart will provide assistance to David Coote while on VAR duty.
Newcastle is ranked 10th in the Premier League standings going into their matchup with West Ham. With one more game played, the Hammers lead seventh place by four points.
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