FA make Newcastle United v Fulham official decision following Chelsea Carabao Cup controversy

The FA have revealed who will take charge of Newcastle United’s first FA Cup Fourth Round appearance under Eddie Howe on Saturday when they make the trip to the capital to face Fulham at Craven Cottage. A spot in the Fifth Round - and one step closer to another Wembley appearance - is on offer for the winner of the match that pits United against yet more Premier League opposition.

Fulham will be the fourth Premier League opponents Newcastle have faced in domestic cup competitions so far this season having faced both Manchester teams and Chelsea in the Carabao Cup. The only domestic cup draw that has seen Newcastle facing off against lower league opposition came in the last round as they defeated Sunderland 3-0.

Their reward for that win was a clash with Marco Silva’s side at Craven Cottage on Saturday (7pm kick-off). The FA have announced that Jarred Gillett will be the man to referee the game.

Gillett’s first ever Premier League match came during Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Watford back in September 2021 and the Magpies have a fairly good record when the Australian has been in the middle. However, their last outing refereed by Gillett saw them dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge back in December.

That game saw Moises Caicedo escape a red card after catching Anthony Gordon with his studs. As per competition rules, that match did not have VAR in operation.

The Australian will be assisted by Darren Cann and Mark Scholes on Saturday whilst Tony Harrington will be on VAR duty. VAR is in operation during FA Cup games that take part in stadiums that have been equipped with the technology.

Newcastle’s win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the last round did not have the technology in operation. Newcastle’s last appearance in the FA Cup Fourth Round saw them defeat Oxford United 3-2 after extra-time at the Kassam Stadium following a goalless draw at St James’ Park four years ago. That season, which was halted due to the outbreak of Covid-19, saw Newcastle defeat West Brom in the Fifth Round but taste defeat to Manchester City in the quarter-final.