Ref-Watch: Milton Keynes Dons (A)

Whilst referees up and down the country were getting in the FA Cup spirit last weekend, Charles Breakspear played Mr Killjoy and called off Newport County’s clash with Blackburn Rovers – although if the picture below is anything to go by, then he very much made the right decision!

Newport County v Blackburn is OFF #FACup https://t.co/42SrNIVX4N pic.twitter.com/JIQ8AyzFYp

— WalesOnline (@WalesOnline) January 9, 2016

Although the temperatures remain cold, no rain is forecast in Milton Keynes before or during today’s game at Stadium:mk, which will be Breakspear’s 23rd game of the season. So far in 2015-16, he has given out 93 yellow cards but surprisingly no red cards, perhaps showing a sense of leniency. In fact, the last time he gave a player an early bath was nearly a year ago in February, when he sent two players off in the same game as York City visited Luton – his eighth and ninth red cards of the season. Quite a contrast. The Surrey official has also awarded four penalties this season.

His only previous Reading game was our 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough in January last year, which was just his second Championship game ever. He has however been the assistant referee in three past Royals fixtures, including the 7-5 defeat to Arsenal in the League Cup. Sorry to end on a negative note, but that’s your lot for this week!

The assistant referees in Buckinghamshire will be Paul Hobday and Ravel Cheosiaua, whilst the fourth official will be Gavin Ward.