Referee Chris Kavanagh and assistant Nick Greenhalgh have been removed from Premier League duties this weekend. This follows their performance in the FA Cup fourth-round tie between Aston Villa and Newcastle United last Saturday. The Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) bases its appointments on performance assessments, ensuring accountability for officials.
During the match at Villa Park, several key errors occurred. Aston Villa's opening goal by Tammy Abraham was allowed despite being offside. Lucas Digne of Villa avoided a red card for a high tackle on Newcastle's Jacob Murphy. Furthermore, a handball by Digne inside the penalty area resulted in a free-kick awarded outside the box. VAR was not in operation for this stage of the FA Cup, a factor highlighted by pundits and managers. Assistant Gary Beswick will still officiate this weekend.
