The referee for Stoke City vs Watford at the Britannia is Martin Atkinson
The referee for Watford’s visit to Stoke City this weekend is Martin Atkinson.
One of the most experienced referees, Atkinson is coming into this game on the back of officiating in the Champions League in midweek, as Zenit defeated Lyon 3-1 on their home soil, with Atkinson issuing six yellow cards.
He has taken charge of thirteen games overall this season, and has given out sixty-six yellow cards.
There hasn’t been a game yet this season where Atkinson has dished out less then four yellow cards.
Atkinson is assertively not shy of giving out red and yellow cards, as this season in addition to last season’s stats show.
During last season’s campaign, he was in charge of forty-eight games in all competitions, handing out one-hundred and ninety-three yellows and eleven reds.
The last Watford game the man from West Yorkshire took charge from was in February 2014, as the Hornets let a two goal lead slip away to league leaders Leicester in the Championship, with former Hornet, Danny Drinkwater, grabbing a last minute equalizer.
Notably, he was in charge of the 2013 Championship Play Off Final, as the Hornets faced Crystal Palace at Wembley, for a place in the Premier League season 2013/14.
It was Atkinson’s call which lead to Crystal Palace gaining promotion to the Premier League via a Kevin Phillips penalty.
On the day, Atkinson will be assisted by both Stephen Child and Eddie Smart, with Peter Bankes assigned to the fourth official role.
