UEFA have confirmed the officiating appointments for Newcastle United’s exciting Champions League opener against Barcelona on Thursday.
After weeks of excitement, the Magpies are back in the Champions League following a year out last season.
It is a new look Newcastle United side this time around, with the likes of Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga replacing Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron, who both left the club in 2025. Either way, Eddie Howe will be keen to hit the ground running, but must do it against a Barcelona side that has looked unstoppable since Hansi Flick took over.
However, Barca could be without wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who is suffering from injury. Elsewhere, it has been confirmed that Gavi and Alejandro Balde are absent for the Newcastle game.
Taking the whistle for the game at St James’ Park is Swedish official Glenn Nyberg, who has experience in these types of games. However, a controversial decision during a 2024 Champions League game left now-England boss Thomas Tuchel fuming.
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Thomas Tuchel told Glenn Nyberg he made a mistake in the Champions League last year
It is the first time that Nyberg has officiated a game involving both Newcastle and Barcelona, but the 36-year-old has been involved in some of the biggest tournaments in recent years. Nyberg officiated in the 2024 Europa Conference League final and was picked to be an official at the recent European Championships in Germany.
Unfortunately, not everyone has been pleased with the work he has done, and Tuchel made his feelings clear about a decision that went against his Bayern Munich side when they played Arsenal in 2024.
During the game, David Raya kicked the ball out to Gabriel, who proceeded to pick the ball up and roll it back to the keeper. Tuchel was fuming on the touchline and made his feelings about Nyberg clear post-match.
“I know it is a crazy situation but they put the ball down, he whistles, he gives the ball and the defender takes the ball in his hand,” Tuchel said.
“What makes us really angry is the explanation on the field. He told our players that it is a kid’s mistake and he will not give a penalty like this in a quarter-final.
“This is a horrible, horrible explanation. He is judging handballs. Kid’s mistake, adult’s mistake. Whatever. We feel angry because it is a huge decision against us.”
Newcastle United were victims of a poor officiating decision during their last Champions League campaign
With any luck, Newcastle’s game against Barca should not have much, or any controversy, which will be looked back on for years to come. Not like when the Magpies travelled to Paris for a crucial Champions League game against PSG.
Howe’s Newcastle side were heavily wounded, with a bench of goalkeepers and academy players being made up just to make up the numbers. Following a memorable Nick Pope performance, PSG were awarded a penalty in the 98th minute after the ball ricocheted off Tino Livramento’s chest and onto his arm.
Kylian Mbappe scored the penalty to earn his side a crucial point in the competition, leaving Newcastle fans seething with the decision.
That penalty call effectively eliminated Newcastle from Europe that season despite valiant performances against some of the best teams in the world. Mark Clattenburg was baffled at the referee’s decision, just like many Newcastle fans were on the night.
Let’s hope that nothing similar happens this time around.
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