Referee named for Liverpool's Premier League trip to Newcastle

John Brooks has been appointed as the referee for Liverpool's trip to St James' Park on Sunday, 27 August.

After four points from their opening two fixtures, Jurgen Klopp's side travel to Newcastle hoping to keep up their unbeaten start to the season.

The Premier League has confirmed that Leicestershire-born Brooks, 33, will take charge of the fixture. Lee Betts and Akil Howson will be the assistants at St James' Park, and Craig Pawson has been named as the fourth official.

Stuart Attwell will be in charge of the VAR at Stockley Park, supported by Constantine Hatzkidakis.

READ MORE: Newcastle United vs Liverpool – Match Preview

JOHN BROOKS RECORD IN LIVERPOOL GAMES

Brooks, who made his league debut as a referee in 2021, has only ever officiated two Liverpool games in the Premier League – the first the Reds' 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth back in March of this year, followed by the 1-1 draw at home to Villa in May.

The relatively junior ref gave penalties in both games (one for Liverpool, one against) and dished out a surprisingly high 11 yellow cards across the fixtures.

Brooks had also been scheduled to take charge of the Merseyside Derby earlier this year but was dropped from the fixture following a controversially disallowed goal by Pervis Estupiñan in Brighton's game against Crystal Palace.

He later made the headlines for only showing a yellow to Tyrone Mings after he caught Cody Gakpo in the chest with a high boot during Liverpool's May meeting with Villa.

Speaking after that game, Gakpo said: "It was a heavy hit but the ref decided to give a yellow card then we have to just carry on. We just play and accept it."

"It was painful. I just hope it wasn't anything serious and that I could play through. I was okay."

The challenge, which drew blood on Gakpo's chest, was later deemed red-card worthy by ex-Premier League ref Dermot Gallagher on Sky Sports News .

Gallagher said: “I think it’s a red card there. It’s face-to-face, he brings his boot up after he’s played the ball.”

Across all the 25 Premier League fixtures Brooks has officiated to date, he has averaged 4.48 yellow cards per game and only 0.08 reds.