Pawson was the only top-flight referee to brandish a red card during the opening weekend of the campaign, sending off Everton’s Phil Jagielka during the Toffees’ 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He was the man in the middle for four of Newcastle’s Premier League fixtures last time out, including their memorable victory over Manchester United on Tyneside and their 1-1 draw with Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool.

Four of the six yellow cards he dished out to United players last season came in one game – the Magpies’ 1-0 defeat at Huddersfield Town, which – just like this weekend’s fixture in South Wales – was their first away trip of the campaign.

On Saturday, he will be assisted by Eddie Smart and Andy Garratt at the Cardiff City Stadium, with Lee Probert serving as the fourth official.