The referee for West Ham’s clash with Newcastle has been confirmed.

Craig Pawson is set to be the man in the middle when the Hammers return to Premier League action for the first time since the VAR robbery against Chelsea.

Newcastle were also on the wrong end of a horror VAR decision, when an own goal from Tyrick Mitchell was bafflingly ruled out for a non-existent foul on the Palace goalkeeper.

Pawson will be out to ensure that there are no similar decisions when the Hammers take on the Magpies this weekend.

The ref was not in charge of any games at the weekend but was the fourth official when Liverpool took on Everton in the weekend’s Merseyside derby. That game ended 0-0, with little VAR controversy.

Newcastle have been in decent form this season, only losing once, but also only winning once, with four draws. They drew 3-3 with Manchester City in perhaps their most eye-catching result of the season.