Arsenal will have a familiar face for their trip to Newcastle on Sunday. Incredibly, referee Jarred Gillett will be involved in his FOURTH Arsenal game of the Premier League season.

Arsenal have discovered their referee for this week

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That is the most of any Prem official this season and ahead of John Brooks, who has been on VAR duty for three Liverpool games. Gillett will be in charge as referee for Arsenal’s crunch clash at St James’s Park.

The Aussie was also referee for Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds at the Emirates Stadium last month. And, remarkably, Gillett was fourth official for Arsenal’s win at Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season. Gillett was the VAR for Arsenal’s game with Manchester City last weekend when Stuart Attwell was in charge on the pitch.

Curiously, Attwell was taking charge of his first Arsenal game since November 2023 when he oversaw Newcastle’s controversial winner against the Gunners, which led to the north London club putting out a club statement. Gillett had no involvement in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest this season.

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And Gillett was not on duty for Arsenal’s defeat at Liverpool last month. It is believed Gillett is not given Liverpool games because it has been reported in Australia that he is a Liverpool fan. However, referees’ body, The Professional Game Match Officials, has not confirmed Gillett’s allegiances.

It is a curious quirk which may leave Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta raising his eyebrows at why they keep getting the same official. There is no suggestion that Gillett has made any wrong calls this season even if there have been previous controversies.

Gillett was VAR when he instructed referee Rob Jones to go to the screen at Bournemouth which led to William Saliba being sent off for a professional foul last season. Gillett controversially disallowed Arsenal’s goal at Aston Villa in December 2023 for handball while he was also in charge when Gunners fans thought Yerson Mosquera should have been sent off in Arsenal’s win over Wolves last season.

Jarred Gillett

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Jarred Gillett will be in charge of Arsenal’s trip to Newcastle(Image: 2025 Getty Images)

The PGMOL took the decision last season not to reveal any referee’s allegiances but there are strict rules about not taking charge of teams they support – or their rivals. For example, Michael Oliver does not take charge of Newcastle or Sunderland games as he is open about being a Newcastle fan.

The PGMOL are adamant that there is no issue with Gillett and that he is also one of their best officials so therefore gets the best games. Arsenal’s trip to Newcastle is the prime time game on Sunday with a Super Sunday 4.30pm kick-off live on Sky.

There are 72 officials who have to be on duty across 60 Premier League appointments plus 12 refs to take charge of Championship games. Clearly, there needs to be 60 officials on duty each weekend with the referee, fourth official, two assistant referees and the VAR plus assistant VAR. That is six for each game and 10 games.

There are several specialist VARs and six new referees who predominantly work in the Championship but are being promoted to some Premier League duties. It is worth noting the likes of Gillett, Banks and Oliver are proficient across referee and VAR duties so naturally get more appointments.

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