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Ref-Watch: Brighton & Hove Albion (H)

After the referee was changed at the last minute against Bradford, so as long as the same thing doesn't occur again, ANDY HAINES will take charge when Brighton visit the Madjeski.

Paul Thomas/Getty Images

Blimey! Is it that time again? Reading's hectic schedule continues, so it's time for another Ref-Watch, which this time features Andy Haines, who will take charge of our game with Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Tyne & Wear official has already taken charge of 21 games this season, but only four have been in the Championship. He's given out 55 yellow cards and three red cards so far in 2014-15, as well as four penalties - two of which came in the same game. It was Accrington vs Southend, if you must know.

Haines is into his eighth season as a National Group referee, but has only previously officiated a Royals fixture once before, when we lost to Derby 2-1 in November 2009. He certainly left his mark though, sending off Shane Long and booking three further Reading players.

Amongst Haines' previous jobs are project manager at EDF Engery, secretary of a seven-a-side works league team in London, whilst he also played semi-professional football as a goalkeeper.

The 49-year-old seems to have found his passion in refereeing though, despite the fact that some fans don't agree.

There is a Facebook page entitled "Andy Haines should not referee another game", full of comments from supporters lamenting Haines. Feel free to go and add to it's 270 likes.