Who is the referee for Newcastle vs Arsenal? Carabao Cup picks for VAR and match officials confirmed

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Arsenal are set for a huge clash with Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, with a chance of silverware on the line.

The Carabao Cup semi-final first leg ended in a 2-0 defeat for the Gunners, with the Magpies taking an advantage back to St. James’ Park.

With it being “half-time” in the tie, Mikel Arteta will be rallying the troops to overturn such a defeat and turn it into an opportunity.

Arsenal, fresh from putting five past Manchester City, will need a similar performance to give themselves a chance of reaching the Carabao Cup final.

They may need a bit of luck as well, with the referee in the middle likely to play a huge part in those key decisions.

So with that said, here’s a look at the referee and match official picks for the clash between Arsenal and Newcastle.

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Who is the referee for Newcastle vs Arsenal?

Arsenal’s trip to Newcastle in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final will be refereed by match official Simon Hooper.

The 42-year-old has overseen three games for the Gunners this season, with victories over Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest for the side.

Simon Hooper record vs Arsenal

So far, according to WhoScored, Hooper has overseen ten games for Arsenal on record in recent seasons.

The Gunners have plenty of wins under the referee, with an 80% win rate when he has taken charge of those clashes.

Simon Hooper record vs Newcastle

Hooper has been in charge of 20 games for Newcastle over his career, with seven wins for the Magpies in those games.

It means the side have a 35% win rate when officiated by the referee.

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Who is the VAR and match officials for Newcastle vs Arsenal?

The EFL have announced that Hooper will be joined by Adrian Holmes and Simon Long as his assistants running the touchline – while Thomas Bramall is the fourth official.

There will be a Video Assistant Referee in place for the tie, with John Brooks named as the VAR in charge at Stockley Park – along with Nick Hopton as his assistant.