List of the Premier League Referees and the Clubs They Support
Being a referee in the Premier League is one of the most scrutinized jobs in football. Fans often accuse referees of bias, but every official is required to declare their allegiances to avoid conflicts of interest. Here’s a look at the current crop of referees, starting from the last on the list, and the clubs they support.
Howard Webb – Rotherham United
PGMOL chief Howard Webb is a lifelong supporter of Rotherham United. During his refereeing career, he was barred from officiating matches involving Sheffield Wednesday or Sheffield United due to his allegiance.
Sam Allison – Unknown
Sam Allison, from Chippenham, Wiltshire, has kept his footballing loyalties private. His allegiance remains a mystery, leaving fans to speculate about which team, if any, he supports.
Stuart Attwell – Luton Town
Stuart Attwell has been a Premier League referee since 2008 and is currently the longest-serving official in the league. A loyal Luton Town supporter, he is now unable to officiate their matches since the club’s promotion to the top flight.
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Peter Bankes – Unknown
Liverpool-born Peter Bankes has kept his allegiances secret despite over 25 years of refereeing experience. Interestingly, he has never taken charge of Liverpool, Everton, or Tranmere Rovers matches.
Samuel Barrott – Unknown
Samuel Barrott, from West Riding, Yorkshire, has not revealed his supported club. The lack of information keeps his neutrality firmly intact.
Darren Bond – Unknown
Darren Bond made his Premier League debut as a referee in the 2023/24 season. He has not disclosed his club of choice, preferring to maintain impartiality.
Thomas Bramall – Unknown
One of the youngest officials in the league, Thomas Bramall hails from Sheffield but has never revealed who he supports. He also does not officiate matches involving Sheffield Wednesday or Sheffield United.
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John Brooks – Unknown
Melton Mowbray’s John Brooks has kept his club loyalty private. Notably, he has never refereed a Leicester City match, sparking speculation about his allegiance.
David Coote – Notts County
Nottingham-born David Coote is a declared Notts County fan. His allegiance rules him out of officiating Nottingham Forest matches to prevent potential bias.
Darren England – Barnsley
Barnsley native Darren England supports his hometown club and even worked for Barnsley’s community trust. His promotion to Premier League referee came in 2021, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Sunny Singh Gill – Unknown
Sunny Singh Gill, from West London, has not disclosed which team he supports. This secrecy allows him to avoid questions about favoritism.
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Jarred Gillett – Liverpool
Australian referee Jarred Gillett is a self-confessed Liverpool supporter. Since declaring this allegiance, he has been barred from officiating Liverpool matches home or away.
Tony Harrington – Hartlepool
Hailing from Hartlepool, Tony Harrington is a fan of his local club. His strong hometown ties are well known among fans.
Simon Hooper – Swindon Town
Simon Hooper is a devoted Swindon Town supporter, sticking with the club through their many ups and downs. Despite this, he is regularly trusted with Premier League matches.
Rob Jones – Unknown
Merseyside-born Rob Jones has never revealed which team he follows. His background has led many to speculate he could support Liverpool or Everton, but nothing has been confirmed.
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Chris Kavanagh – Droylsden
Chris Kavanagh is a supporter of Droylsden, a non-league club in Greater Manchester. His allegiance is considered relatively neutral given the club’s lower profile.
Andrew Madley – Huddersfield Town
Andrew Madley is a passionate Huddersfield Town supporter, just like his brother Bobby. Before refereeing, he was part of Huddersfield’s School of Excellence.
Bobby Madley – Huddersfield Town
Like his brother, Bobby Madley is also a lifelong Huddersfield fan. Though no longer a Premier League referee, his allegiance remains well known.
Michael Oliver – Newcastle United
Michael Oliver is a proud Newcastle United fan and has never officiated one of their matches. He is one of England’s most experienced referees and a FIFA-listed official.
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Craig Pawson – Sheffield United
Craig Pawson is a well-known Sheffield United supporter. A regular at Bramall Lane, he is not assigned to matches involving either Sheffield club.
Tim Robinson – Unknown
Tim Robinson, from West Sussex, has kept his allegiance under wraps. Despite his ties to the Brighton referee association, he has officiated Brighton matches, ruling them out as his club.
Michael Salisbury – Unknown
Lancashire-born Michael Salisbury’s supported club has not been revealed. He does not officiate Liverpool or Everton games, suggesting possible regional connections.
Graham Scott – Swindon Town
Oxford-based Graham Scott is another referee who supports Swindon Town. This allegiance prevents him from officiating matches involving Swindon or nearby Oxford United.
Josh Smith – Unknown
Josh Smith, from Peterborough, has not made his team allegiance public. Fans are left to guess which side he may support.
Lewis Smith – Unknown
Lewis Smith, from Wigan, has also kept his club support secret. No official information has been shared about his preferences.
Anthony Taylor – Altrincham
Anthony Taylor is a lifelong Altrincham fan and even holds a season ticket. Since becoming a FIFA referee, he has officiated in major European and international matches.
