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Newcastle United’s crunch promotion clash with Brighton will be officiated by Premier League ref Bobby Madley – the man who sent off Fabricio Coloccini in a fractious Wear-Tyne derby last season.

The game is seen as the biggest in a midweek programme in the Championship that includes Aston Villa’s relegation six-pointer against Bristol City and Huddersfield’s trip to Wolves, which – as Newcastle found out the other week – is a tougher game than it was before Paul Lambert took over.

Madley is a Select Group One referee but he’s probably known to United fans for his performance in the derby at Sunderland. It was another miserable derby day for the Magpies and the sending off of United skipper Coloccini – and subsequent awarding of a spot kick to the Black Cats – turned the game, which Newcastle eventually lost 3-0.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Steve McClaren blasted Madley afterwards: “It was never a penalty. The penalty and red card was a double whammy.”

Newcastle will hope there are no similar incidents as they face a big game against Brighton, who they usurped at the top of the Championship last night.

Despite his derby day blunder last season – Coloccini’s red card was later rescinded – Madley is probably one of the better refs in the top flight. He oversaw two subsequent Newcastle games last season: the defeat at Southampton and the 0-0 draw at Aston Villa that effectively sent United down.

On Saturday, United’s game against Bristol City will be overseen by Chris Kavanagh. He refereed United’s 1-1 draw with Villa earlier in the season.