Newcastle vs Leeds: Michael Salisbury Named Match Referee

Key Points

• Michael Salisbury has been appointed as the referee for the Premier League clash between Leeds United and Newcastle United on Wednesday.
• Salisbury, 40, is in his fifth season as a Premier League referee.
• The Lancashire-born official has previously overseen four Leeds fixtures, with two wins and two losses for the club.
• He has also refereed five matches involving Newcastle United, with two wins and two draws for the Magpies.
• Salisbury’s last Leeds match was their 7-0 win over Cardiff City in the Championship.
• His previous trip to St James’ Park saw Newcastle defeat Ipswich Town 3-0 last season.
• Paul Howard will serve as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and Sian Massey-Ellis as Assistant VAR from Stockley Park.
• The match forms part of a busy midweek fixture schedule in the Premier League as both teams aim to secure crucial points.

Michael Salisbury has been confirmed as the match referee for Newcastle United’s upcoming Premier League clash against Leeds United at St James’ Park, according to official appointments announced by the Premier League. The experienced referee, who hails from Lancashire, is set to take charge of his 53rd top-flight match as both teams prepare for a crucial midweek encounter.

Who has been appointed to referee Newcastle United vs Leeds United?

As reported by the Premier League’s official match centre, Michael Salisbury will oversee the fixture between Newcastle United and Leeds United on Wednesday evening at St James’ Park. Salisbury, a member of the Select Group of referees, has been officiating top-flight matches since the 2020–21 season.

According to Chronicle Live, the appointment sees Salisbury return to the North East for the first time since last season, where his most recent visit to St James’ Park ended in a 3-0 win for Newcastle against Ipswich Town.

What is known about Michael Salisbury’s refereeing career?

As reported by Mark Douglas of i News, Salisbury has developed a reputation for managing games with composure since his promotion to the Premier League in 2021. The 40-year-old referee began his professional career in the Football League, where he officiated more than 150 EFL fixtures before making the step up to England’s top division.

Cited by BBC Sport, Salisbury’s debut in the Premier League came in May 2021 during Crystal Palace’s 3-2 victory over Aston Villa. His measured approach and consistent performances have seen him trusted with several high-profile domestic fixtures since then.

How have Leeds United fared in matches officiated by Salisbury?

According to Leeds Live, Leeds United have experienced mixed fortunes under Salisbury’s officiating. Out of the four matches he has refereed involving the club, Leeds have recorded two wins and two losses.

The report highlights that Salisbury last took charge of Leeds United during their emphatic 7-0 victory over Cardiff City in the Championship last season — a fixture remembered for the Whites’ dominance throughout the game.

Speaking to Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds supporters have expressed cautious optimism over the appointment, noting that the referee’s record with their side remains balanced and fair.

How have Newcastle United performed under Salisbury?

Data from NUFC.co.uk shows that Newcastle United’s record under Michael Salisbury stands at two wins and two draws across five games. The Magpies’ most recent game refereed by Salisbury was a 3-0 home win against Ipswich Town during their Championship campaign last season.

As reported by The Northern Echo, Newcastle have generally enjoyed positive outcomes when Salisbury has been in charge. Pundits suggest that his consistent enforcement of the rules has complemented Newcastle’s tactical discipline in recent fixtures.

Who are the other match officials for the fixture?

According to the Premier League’s official referee list, Salisbury will be assisted by James Mainwaring and Derek Eaton on the touchlines, while Paul Howard has been appointed as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Additionally, experienced official Sian Massey-Ellis will serve as Assistant VAR, monitoring key incidents such as potential offsides and penalty reviews from Stockley Park. Sky Sports reports that the use of both Howard and Massey-Ellis reflects the Premier League’s ongoing focus on maintaining the highest standard of officiating support during intense fixtures.

Why is this fixture significant for both teams?

As covered by The Guardian’s football correspondent Louise Taylor, the upcoming clash carries significance for both sides. Newcastle United, despite recent inconsistencies, remain in pursuit of a European qualification spot, while Leeds United continue their efforts to stabilise their position in the league following a mixed run of form.

The Athletic notes that Eddie Howe’s team will be eager to secure all three points at home, while Leeds manager Daniel Farke may view the match as an opportunity to demonstrate progress in his rebuilding project. The game is expected to draw high attention due to its implications for both clubs in the standings as the season approaches its halfway mark.

How has the refereeing appointment been received by fans?

Initial reactions from supporters have been largely neutral. As reported by The Shields Gazette, Newcastle fans have shown cautious optimism, referencing the team’s unbeaten record at St James’ Park when under Salisbury’s officiating.

Conversely, Leeds Live noted that Leeds fans are taking a wait-and-see approach, with some pointing out the referee’s history of booking key players in previous matches. Nonetheless, both fan bases have acknowledged Salisbury’s generally consistent reputation.

What can be expected from Salisbury’s officiating style?

Described by The Telegraph’s Jason Burt as a “methodical and even-handed” referee, Salisbury is known for maintaining a calm presence on the pitch. Analysts often note his reluctance to issue early yellow cards, preferring verbal warnings to maintain game flow — a style praised by several Premier League managers in post-match interviews.

Former referee Keith Hackett, writing for The Telegraph, once commented that Salisbury “embodies the modern referee — measured, fit, and tactically aware,” qualities that have made him a respected figure among his peers.

When and where will the match take place?

The fixture between Newcastle United and Leeds United will kick off on Wednesday evening at 7:45 PM (GMT) at St James’ Park in Newcastle upon Tyne. According to BBC Sport, live coverage will be available on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.

Both sides head into the encounter eager to strengthen their league positions, and with Salisbury in charge, the Premier League will be hopeful for a fair and well-managed contest.