Newcastle United fans picked up an unlikely win last weekend when they overcame West Ham United at The London Stadium. The Geordies were sublime in almost every area of the pitch as they recorded a 3-2 victory, although Steve Bruce and co will already be looking onto the next one this weekend.
Martin Atkinson will referee this Saturday’s @premierleague fixture against @afcbournemouth at St. James’ Park. #NUFC
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 6, 2019
That game is a clash against Bournemouth, who have got one hell of a journey up from the south coast to Tyneside, and it’s been confirmed that the referee for the tie will be Martin Atkinson, something which really has not gone down at all well with the home fans.
So far this season, Atkinson has taken charge of two Newcastle games, their opening day defeat to Arsenal and home draw against Brighton, whilst he’s also officiated Bournemouth twice too, and awarded one of the four penalties he’s given this season to the Cherries as they beat Aston Villa 2-1 on matchday two (Transfermarkt).
Do you care about who's refereeing your games?
Yes of course!
No, it's all about the football!
You can read the Geordies’ thoughts on the referee appointment here:
Possibly the worst ref in the #EPL at the moment
— neilB (@neilTheMagpie) November 6, 2019
Noooo
— Mitch (@VFLHayden) November 6, 2019
Bournemouth getting 3 points then!
— Graham Walker (@Grey_ham79) November 6, 2019
Incoming robbery
— Luca (@LucaTokarski) November 6, 2019
Oh come on ! How many times do NUFC get him ? Never seem to end a match with 11 men or come away with 3 points.
— Colinv2401 (@Baberton33) November 6, 2019
We’d be better off with his brother Rowan! pic.twitter.com/lzvJEBhVwj
— Graham Thompson (@Thoma69) November 6, 2019
The Magpies are quite obviously not happy at the refereeing news, but they just have to get on with it.