The match between Manchester City and Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday night (kickoff at 5:30 p.m.) will be officiated by Chris Kavanagh. The official, who was born in Ashton-under-Lyne, was at the center of a highly contentious situation last week when he officiated Crystal Palace’s 0-0 draw against Everton.

Due to a challenge against Nathaniel Clyne, Dominic Calvert-Lewin received a red card. When Kavanagh was told by VAR to reconsider the decision, he first waved play on. Sean Dyche and the onlookers were shocked and in astonishment when the Everton striker was sent off despite little contact.

After the game, Dyche observed, “If you want to slow-mo everything, you have to slow-mo everything.” “There’s not much interaction, and in real time, Kavanagh doesn’t contribute. Then, they slow it down, making the whole thing appear worse.

“‘What is the point?’ must be on the minds of all fans out there. We can all predict the result: [The referees] will accept the information that is presented to them. I don’t see why they are taking so long and staring at the screen in the unlikely hopes that they will flip it around. Why even make an effort?”

The Toffees appealed the red card and Calvert-Lewin’s three-match ban was successfully overturned. Despite the mistake, Kavanagh has avoided being dropped and will officiate Newcastle v Man City this weekend.