Tottenham have now learned the referee for their matchweek‑two Premier League clash with Newcastle United – but their record under the official will give them plenty of reason for concern.
Tottenham Hotspur are back in their home stadium for the first time this season when they take on Newcastle United on Saturday.
The last time the Lilywhites played at home in the Premier League, they managed a victory, beating Everton 1-0 to secure their Premier League status on the final day of last season.
Roberto De Zerbi will now be hoping for the same as his side takes to the pitch this weekend, after their 5-1 thrashing of Charlton Athletic at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Carabao Cup.
Tottenham find out referee for Newcastle United clash
Tottenham have now found out who their match officials for this weekend are as they go in search of their first Premier League victory this season.
According to the official Premier League website, Peter Bankes is set to take charge of the Spurs versus Newcastle game this weekend.
Bankes was at the centre of some controversy while refereeing Tottenham last season, after he disallowed a Randal Kolo Muani goal for a very soft push on Arsenal’s Gabriel. The goal would have levelled the score at 2-2 but Spurs went on to lose the game 4-1.
After the match, Bankes said: “I’m in the position I’d expect to be in for a cross coming in from the right-hand side. I see two hands from the Tottenham player into the back of the Arsenal player. That is going to be my main focus, once you see two hands in live play it looks like a push, a clear push.
“I delayed the whistle so the play could continue. Then obviously my final decision was made when the ball went into the goal. That then allows the VAR to potentially check if I’ve misread something or it something doesn’t look right. On the field it looked a very, very clear offence.’
“I’m still comfortable. Different speeds can make things look different. In slow motion things look different to how they can live. I get one look at it and was more than happy that two hands on the back had enough impact and was an offence. I understand there’s going to be split opinions on it but I’m still comfortable that that’s enough for a free kick.”
The referee will be assisted by Ian Hussin and Nick Hopton, while Tom Bramall has been named as fourth official. As for the VAR, Darren England is set to take charge, while Nick Greenhalgh is the assistant VAR for this weekend’s game.
Spurs and Newcastle United records under Peter Bankes
Looking at Tottenham’s record in matches refereed by Peter Bankes, the Lilywhites will not be entirely confident heading into this weekend’s game.
The match official has officiated 17 Spurs matches in his career, with Tottenham winning seven of those games. However, they have also lost six, while drawing four. That leaves them with a win percentage of 41.2%.
But Spurs can take solace from Newcastle’s record under Bankes ahead of Saturday’s encounter. The Magpies have been officiated far more often by the 44-year-old, with Bankes taking charge of 21 of their matches.
And just like Tottenham, their record is not entirely strong, with Newcastle winning eight of those games, while drawing six and losing seven. Based on these records, it sure is anyone’s game this weekend.
| Team | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tottenham | 17 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 41.2% |
| Newcastle United | 21 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 38.1% |