Leicester City Assigned Controversial VAR Official for Newcastle Match, Criticized by David Moyes as ‘Unfit for Football’

Ruud van Nistelrooy took over as Leicester City manager last month, replacing Steve Cooper after a successful interim spell at Manchester United.

Since his appointment, the 48-year-old has led Leicester to two solid Premier League performances, with a 3-1 victory over West Ham followed by a 2-2 draw against Brighton.

However, van Nistelrooy now faces one of his toughest challenges yet as Leicester travel to face Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Magpies have proven a difficult opponent, with Leicester managing just one win in their last six encounters.

The challenge is compounded by injury and suspension woes, with six Leicester players potentially unavailable for the clash.

Wilfried Ndidi and Harry Winks are doubtful due to fitness concerns, while Boubakary Soumare is suspended.

Long-term absentees Abdul Fatawu, Ricardo Pereira, and Jakub Stolarczyk will also remain sidelined.

Adding to Leicester’s concerns is the appointment of Jarred Gillett as the VAR official for the match—a decision that has already raised eyebrows given Gillett’s controversial history.

Jarred Gillett Named VAR Official for Leicester vs Newcastle

The Premier League has confirmed that experienced official Jarred Gillett will oversee VAR duties for Leicester’s trip to St. James’ Park.

Gillett has been involved in several high-profile errors in the past, most notably during Chelsea’s 2-1 win over West Ham in the 2022/23 season.

In that game, West Ham thought they had secured a late equalizer when Maxwel Cornet scored after a mistake by Edouard Mendy.

However, Gillett advised on-field referee Andrew Madley to review the goal for a potential foul on Mendy by Jarrod Bowen.

Despite replays showing minimal contact, the goal was disallowed, leaving West Ham boss David Moyes furious.

Moyes publicly criticized Gillett after the game, stating, “I’m actually more embarrassed for the guy who did the VAR than I am even for the referee,” and suggested that Gillett “probably shouldn’t be near football.”

Leicester’s Record Under Jarred Gillett

Leicester City’s record in matches officiated by Gillett is relatively balanced, with four wins, one draw, and four losses across nine games (three as a VAR official and six as a referee).

In these matches, Gillett has issued six yellow cards and generally avoided major controversies involving Leicester.

Interestingly, Gillett was on VAR duty for van Nistelrooy’s debut match as Leicester manager—the 3-1 victory over West Ham—which went off without incident.

Leicester fans will hope for a similarly smooth experience this weekend against Newcastle.

While Leicester’s injury and suspension woes pose a challenge, the team will aim to rise above these obstacles and secure a positive result at St. James’ Park.

With van Nistelrooy at the helm, Leicester will need tactical discipline and resilience to overcome Newcastle and keep their season on track.