The weekend clash at the John Smith’s Stadium – the Terriers’ first ever home game in the Premier League – will be Pawson’s third appointment of the campaign, having overseen a Europa League qualifier between FK Gabala and Panathanaikos and Burnley’s 3-2 win at Chelsea last weekend.

During that game at Stamford Bridge, South Yorkshire referee Pawson dished out seven yellow cards and two red, to Chelsea’s Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas.

Last season Pawson, who has been refereeing since 1993, took charge of 37 games both domestically and in European competitions such as the Champions League qualifiers, Europa League and Under-19 European Championship qualifiers.

During those games, he showed a total of 148 yellow cards and five reds.

Pawson oversaw one Newcastle game last term – the 1-0 Championship victory away to Wolverhampton Wanderers in February.

He will be assisted on Sunday by Simon Bennett and Richard West, while Christopher Kavanagh will be the fourth official.