Jarred Gillett, the first overseas official to take charge of a Premier League match, has been selected as the man to take charge of proceedings between Sunderland and Middlesbrough this weekend.
The official who has refereed in a host of high profile matches could have his hands full with the Wear-Tees derby which kicks off at 12:30 this Saturday, but it is perhaps his previous roles as the video referee that has courted the most controversy.
According to a report via the Mirror, a catalogue of errors during Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over West Ham in September 2022 prompted West Ham manager David Moyes to assert his view of Gillett’s performance quite unequivocally.
After being told Jarred Gillett would be undertaking the same role a week later at Leicester’s King Power Stadium, he said he “probably shouldn’t be near a game”.
The incessant Hammers boss also added that he was ’embarrassed’ for him and that he is ‘someone who doesn’t understand football and probably shouldn’t be near it’.
Middlesbrough and Sunderland will be hoping that the football does the talking and that they are not quibbling about controversial decisions come the end of the match. He has taken charge of six Boro matches, with the Teessider’s winning three, drawing one and losing two.
He has issued eight yellow cards to Boro over the course of those matches, with no red cards shown. Middlesbrough did suffer a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Black Cats last season, with a red card shown to central defender Dael Fry.
Calm in the heat of battle
The north east affair could be a typical blood and thunder derby, so players’ passion will have to be kept in check and of course, as it is the Championship, VAR will not be a factor, so flying tackles and frayed tempers could cause the referee to act quickly without the benefit of a replay.
Carrick and Mowbray will be trying to keep enough pride and passion in their approach, but with the calmness and presence of mind to quell any silly antics.
Boro might have hoped that having an Australian born official might be a good omen, given that they have three Australian players in their ranks, but they will jot be banking on too many decisions hoing their way, particularly in hot, cauldron-like atmosphere at the Stadium of Light.
Let’s hope all fans are marvelling at the performance of the players as opposed to ruing the decisions made by the referee.