Who is Arsenal vs Newcastle referee Craig Pawson and how will in-stadium VAR announcements work?
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ARSENAL welcome Premier League rivals Newcastle United to the Emirates for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final TONIGHT. The Gunners will be looking to go into February's return leg in the North East with a healthy advantage. But the Magpies arrive in the capital on a superb run of form after six straight wins in all competitions.
![[Arsenal and Newcastle go head-to-head in the Carabao Cup semi-final]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/general-view-carabao-cup-trophy-905538431.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Toon boss Eddie Howe will know the huge opportunity his side has to end Newcastle's near 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy this season. Mikel Arteta will see the competition as an opportunity to add to his slim trophy cabinet from his Arsenal tenure.
The Gunners have been one of the best teams in Europe under the Spaniard, but they have won just the 2020 FA Cup since he arrived in North London. History will be made during tonight's blockbuster Carabao Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Newcastle, with VAR trialling in-stadium announcements this evening.
VAR has not been in use for any Carabao Cup matches this season. However, it will feature in this week's semi-finals - and for the first time in the English domestic game, in-stadium VAR announcements will be trialled. This means the crowd inside the stadium and fans watching at home on the TV will be able to hear referees announce final decisions after they have been advised to go to the pitchside monitor.
