Anthony Knockaert will be alarmed by the return to the Amex of Craig Pawson after the Albion star's appeal for more protection from referees.

Pawson has been appointed to take charge of Preston's visit on Saturday.

The Premier League ref's last appearance at the stadium, when Preston's neighbours Burnley headed south in April for a top-of-the-table clash, was laced with controversy.

The goal-line technology debate surfaced again when Burnley were denied a clear equaliser, replays showing Michael Keane's late header from a corner was well over the line.

Pawson was left off the hook when the same player levelled in similar fashion deep into stoppage time in the 2-2 draw, which subsequently had severe implications for Albion as they were pipped for automatic promotion by Middlesbrough.

The Seagulls were more concerned at the time about Pawson's failure to take action against Joey Barton (below) in a running battle with Beram Kayal, which included an apparent stamp on the Israeli international.

The Argus: Barton protested his innocence via Twitter. "Remember folks it's a contact sport," he wrote. "This is not crown green bowls."

Knockaert, who called for more protection from refs in yesterday's Argus, saw it differently.

The Frenchman remarked: "He tries to argue with everyone and makes people crazy. Twice he was kicking (Kayal). Maybe he should have been sent-off but he's Joey Barton so maybe he has got more credit than other players."

Pawson has been a bit of a jinx for Albion on his six visits to the Amex, beginning with the double dismissal of Ashley Barnes and Romain Vincelot against Burnley in December 2011.

He also controlled home defeats by Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Middlesbrough ten months ago but Albion fans will have much fonder memories of the South Yorkshire whistle-blower's presence for a 3-0 romp over Crystal Palace in March 2013.

Pawson's tendency to keep his cards in his pocket - as was the case for Arsenal's hotly disputed late victory at Burnley in his last match - will provide some comfort for Knockaert and Lewis Dunk, who are both within a booking of missing next Tuesday's home game against Wolves.

The Argus: Keith Stroud is in charge of that one, which will not please Sam Baldock. He was the ref who sent-off Baldock (above) for two bookable offences in the defeat at Newcastle in August.