Newcastle fans frustrated as Gary Beswick named on Tyne-Wear derby officiating team | OneFootball

Newcastle United fans have reacted with frustration after the Premier League named Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby officials, with assistant Gary Beswick’s selection drawing particular focus.

According to Sunderland Echo, Anthony Taylor will referee at St James’ Park, assisted by Beswick and Adam Nunn, with Andy Madley fourth official and Paul Howard on VAR alongside Sian Massey-Ellis.

Beswick was on duty for Newcastle’s FA Cup win at Aston Villa in February, a tie clouded by controversy. Tammy Abraham’s 14th-minute opener appeared offside but stood with no VAR. Later incidents included Lucas Digne escaping a red for a late tackle on Jacob Murphy and a handball punished only by a free-kick, as Newcastle won 3-1.

Taylor has recent Sunderland history, having handled their 2-1 Premier League win over Brentford on 30 August 2025 and the FA Cup defeat to Port Vale.

Régis Le Bris said Sunderland are struggling with injuries after the 1-0 defeat by Brighton, when Yankuba Minteh scored, adding Wilson Isidor was unavailable and workloads, including for Brian Brobbey, are being managed carefully.

Robin Roefs and Nordi Mukiele missed out, with Mukiele improving and any return to be weighed against risk. Reinildo Mandava is due back in training. Dan Ballard has hamstring discomfort, Enzo Le Fee might be ready for Newcastle, and Nilson Angulo faces four to six weeks out.

Bruno Guimarães will miss the derby while recovering from a thigh problem despite travelling to Barcelona, and is expected back after the international break. Fabian Schär is out until April after ankle surgery, Emil Krafth is likely out for the season, Lewis Miley is a doubt, and Sandro Tonali and Joseph Willock are being assessed. Eddie Howe is expected to update after the Barcelona game.

Source: Sunderland Echo