David Moyes to be furious as Premier League make Newcastle vs Everton announcement
Everton will be looking to bounce back from the defeat to Manchester United when they face Newcastle on Saturday.
David Moyes‘ side travel to St James’ Park on 28 February, hoping to perform better than they did in the 1-0 loss to the Red Devils at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday.
The Premier League have now announced that Stuart Attwell will take charge of the contest, with Constantine Hatzidakis and James Mainwaring as his assistants and Dean Whitestone as the fourth official.
Nick Hopton will be on VAR duties, with John Brooks set to assist him if the technology is required in the Everton game.
Why Moyes will be livid with Newcastle vs Everton decision
Moyes will be furious with the decision to appoint Attwell as referee, given his previous against the Blues this season.
The 43-year-old was in charge when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was judged to have handled in the area against Brighton in the 2-0 win for the Toffees in August.
Don Hutchinson was left raging with the incident, saying: “Page 73 says no handball offence due to close proximity.
“So, where on Earth, if you’re Dewsbury-Hall, you throw your body to get the block on, if proximity is a law and Page 73 says that it is, what on Earth can you do? How can you get out of the way?”
He was then the VAR when Jake O’Brien’s goal was ruled out against Tottenham, in the 3-0 home loss, an incident which prompted criticism from Keith Hackett.
The ex-PGMOL chief said: “The on-field Referee, Craig Pawson, has awarded the goal, and frankly, there is no way that the Spurs goalkeeper is going to save it.
“VAR Attwell just likes getting involved.
“With all the grappling that goes unpunished week in week out in the Premier League, I am not supporting that the contact by an Everton player impacted the goalkeeper.
“The Everton players in an offside position are not interfering with the goalkeeper because they are standing behind him.
“The goalkeeper’s line of sight is clear. It’s a subjective decision, and VAR should not have got involved.“
What is Everton’s record with Attwell in charge?
Attwell has been the man in the middle for 32 Everton matches so far in his career as a referee.
The Blues have a decent record when he is in charge, with 13 wins, seven draws and 12 losses in those games.
He has given 60 yellow cards and shown two red cards in matches involving the Toffees.
His last game in charge of Moyes’ side was the 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage earlier this month, and they also won the Brighton game despite his controversial penalty decision.
Therefore, the Blues have a solid time when Attwell is referee, and they will hope to continue that against Eddie Howe’s side this weekend.
It is vital that the Merseysiders pick up all three points against the Magpies to continue their quest for European football.
They need Attwell to be at his best, if they are do so and keep up their challenge for a potential qualification berth.
For the latest Everton news, check out Football Insider for updates and analysis.