David Coote has been appointed as referee for Newcastle United's clash against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, February 28.
Coote came under scrutiny for two apparent mistakes when he last refereed the Magpies during a narrow 1-0 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in March 2022. Kai Havertz sealed the win for Chelsea with an 89th minute winner, but Newcastle felt aggrieved after two key decisions went against them.
In the first half, Havertz escaped with just a yellow card for an elbow on Dan Burn, before Newcastle were denied a penalty after the break when Jacob Murphy was tripped inside the box by Trevoh Chalobah.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp sends 'really dumb' warning before Liverpool's 'difficult' game against Newcastle
Coote's selection has raised eyebrows with Newcastle supporters who have not forgotten his last performance when officiating a Magpies clash. The referee has taken charge of 22 games this season.
Coote will be assisted by Nick Hopton and Tim Wood, while Simon Hooper has been selected as the fourth official. Peter Bankes is in charge of VAR, with Eddie Smart serving as his assistant.
Newcastle will be making their first appearance at Wembley in 24 years, and will be starring in their first League Cup final since 1976.
Eddie Howe's men eliminated Tranmere Rovers, Crystal Palace, AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City in the earlier rounds, before defeating Southampton over two legs in the semi-finals.
Man United, meanwhile, beat Aston Villa, Burnley and Charlton Athletic respectively, and made easy work of Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals with a 5-0 aggregate victory.
READ NEXT:
UEFA dish out 'strong medicine' Newcastle will have to take if owners realise exciting dream
Newcastle United transfer news LIVE: Magpies could make Milinkovic-Savic highest-paid player ever
Eddie Howe has previously ruled out two-man attack amid Newcastle United midfield crisis
Worrying Premier League corner stats highlight room for improvement at Newcastle United
Forgotten Newcastle wonderkid 'absolutely gutted' after huge setback as quiet exit nears
