Craig Pawson’s controversial appointment as referee for the crucial Premier League clash between Newcastle United and West Ham United adds pressure on both teams, igniting debates over past decisions that could influence the match's outcome.
The decision to appoint Craig Pawson as the referee for this weekend's Premier League match between Newcastle United and West Ham United has sparked significant debate. This fixture is crucial for both teams, as Eddie Howe's Magpies seek to achieve their fourth straight victory following impressive wins against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest. On the other hand, West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui, facing mounting pressure, desperately requires a favorable outcome to address growing concerns about his future with the club.
Pawson's role in this match is seen as potentially contentious, particularly among Newcastle supporters. His previous controversial decision earlier in the season has rekindled worries. In Newcastle's 1-0 win on the opening day against Southampton, Pawson issued a red card to Fabian Schar for an alleged headbutt on Ben Brereton Diaz. The altercation occurred after Brereton Diaz had barged into Schar, despite the play having been halted for a free-kick. The Swiss defender confronted the Southampton player, who then dramatically fell to the ground.
Pawson judged that the incident warranted a red card, a ruling supported by VAR, even though replays indicated only slight contact. The dismissal resulted in Newcastle having to continue with just 10 players for over an hour, yet a determined Joelinton managed to secure a late winner. While Howe described the decision as "harsh," former Newcastle manager Graeme Souness was much more outspoken in his critique. He accused Brereton Diaz of diving and recommended that the referee should have examined the situation at the monitor.
“If we stepped out onto the street right now and asked 10 football fans what they think, I can guarantee all 10 would agree. The most frustrating aspect of football is simulation—cheating. Diaz cheated,” Souness stated. He went on to assert that the referee should have overturned the initial decision, dismissing Diaz and issuing a yellow card to Schar for the slight contact. For Souness, simulation tarnishes the integrity of the sport: “You’re attempting to deceive the referee, the supporters in the stadium, and the broader television audience. That’s the thing that frustrates fans the most, above all else.”
Following that match, Pawson officiated another game involving Newcastle, which ended in a scoreless draw against Everton. During this encounter, he awarded a penalty to Newcastle for a foul on Sandro Tonali. Unfortunately for Newcastle, Anthony Gordon's penalty attempt was saved by Jordan Pickford. Additionally, on that same evening, there was a contentious decision as a potential penalty for Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin was denied.
As Pawson finds himself in the spotlight once more for a significant Premier League match, his appointment is expected to be examined closely by both teams, their coaches, and the wider football community. With rising tensions as this important game approaches, all attention will be focused on how the referee manages the crucial moments on the field, particularly in light of the ongoing controversy surrounding his previous decisions.
