Every Referee In The 2025/26 Premier League Season

The Premier League referee operates under a microscope that would crack most people within minutes. And yet, 24 officials have signed up for exactly that experience this season.

PGMOL oversees these men and women who control 380 football matches played at speeds that test human reaction time. The job has undergone a complete transformation in the VAR era.

These officials must process information from colleagues watching screens, make split-second calls that get frozen into still frames, and maintain authority over players earning huge wages while knowing one mistake will dominate headlines for days.

Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)

• Premier League debut: February 2010 (Fulham 1-0 Portsmouth)
• Big matches: 2017 FA Cup Final (Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea), 2020 FA Cup Final (Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea), 2023 Europa League Final (Sevilla 1-1 Roma, won on penalties), 2020 UEFA Super Cup (Bayern Munich 2-1 Sevilla)

Taylor holds the record of becoming the first referee since 1901 to officiate two FA Cup finals when he took charge of the 2020 showpiece between Arsenal and Chelsea.

The Cheshire official made his Premier League debut in February 2010 at 31 years old, already bringing maturity from his previous career as a prison officer at HMP Manchester. That background gets cited often when people talk about how he handles pressure situations.

His career has spanned over 400 Premier League matches. Taylor became a FIFA referee in 2013, opening doors to major European appointments.

The 2023 Europa League final in Budapest turned ugly when Roma manager Jose Mourinho confronted him in the car park after the match, calling his performance a disgrace. UEFA reviewed the performance and found no major errors, though the incident highlighted the intense scrutiny these officials face.

September 2024 brought another controversy when Taylor showed 14 yellow cards in a match between Chelsea and Bournemouth, a Premier League record that sparked debates about consistency and game management.

Despite these flashpoints, Taylor remains one of the most experienced and trusted officials in English football, regularly assigned to the biggest matches both domestically and across Europe.

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Michael Oliver (Northumberland)

• Premier League debut: August 2010 (Birmingham City 2-2 Blackburn Rovers)
• Big matches: 2018 FA Cup Final (Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United), 2022 UEFA Super Cup (Real Madrid 2-0 Eintracht Frankfurt), 2018 Champions League Quarter-Final (Real Madrid 1-3 Juventus)

At 25 years and 182 days old, Oliver broke Stuart Attwell’s record to become the youngest Premier League referee when he officiated Birmingham versus Blackburn in August 2010. Nearly 15 years later, he has built a reputation as one of Europe’s elite officials, surpassing 400 Premier League appearances and earning promotion to the UEFA Elite Group in 2018.

Oliver was introduced to refereeing by his father Clive at age 14, creating a unique family legacy in English officiating. The Olivers achieved a remarkable double in 2009 when Clive took charge of the League Two play-off final, and Michael officiated the League One play-off final the next day.

His most controversial moment came in April 2018 during that Champions League quarter-final second leg between Real Madrid and Juventus.

With Juventus leading 3-0 on the night and leveling the aggregate score, Oliver awarded Real Madrid a 93rd-minute penalty and sent off Gianluigi Buffon for his furious reaction. Cristiano Ronaldo converted the penalty in the 98th minute, sending Real Madrid through.

Buffon later apologized for calling Oliver heartless, but the Italian legend received a three-match UEFA ban for his comments.

More recently, in January 2025, Oliver faced serious threats after sending off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolverhampton.

Police investigated threatening texts sent to his wife, Lucy, whose phone number was posted on social media, plus reports of people banging on their front door. Arsenal successfully appealed the red card, but the incident sparked widespread debate about referee protection and online abuse.

Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire)

• Premier League debut: August 2008 (Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Hull City)
• Big matches: 2025 FA Cup Final (Crystal Palace vs Manchester City)

Attwell made history in August 2008 when he became the youngest Premier League referee at just 25 years old, officiating a draw between Blackburn and Hull.

That record stood until Michael Oliver broke it two years later. But Attwell’s early career became defined by one mistake that nearly ended his top-flight journey.

In September 2008, Attwell and his assistant awarded Reading a “ghost goal” in a Championship match at Watford when the ball clearly went wide. Both officials were censured and dropped for the following weekend.

The error haunted Attwell for years. In February 2012, PGMOL demoted him from the Select Group by mutual consent. General manager Mike Riley backed him to return, and Attwell spent years rebuilding his reputation in the Football League.

The comeback worked. Attwell returned to Premier League duty in October 2014 and was promoted back to the Select Group in March 2016.

He became a FIFA referee in 2008 and has developed into one of the league’s most experienced officials, equally comfortable on the field as in the VAR booth.

His resilience through that difficult period has become part of his identity, and the appointment to referee the 2025 FA Cup final represents the full arc of redemption for an official who could have walked away from the job entirely.

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Chris Kavanagh (Lancashire)

• Premier League debut: April 2017 (West Brom 0-1 Southampton)
• Big matches: 2024 EFL Cup Final (Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea)

Kavanagh started refereeing at age 13 in 1998, showing early commitment to the profession. He made his National League debut in 2012 and worked his way through the Football League before getting his first Premier League appointment in April 2017.

The Lancashire official became a FIFA referee in 2019, earning opportunities to officiate internationally.

His biggest assignment came in February 2024 when he took charge of the EFL Cup final at Wembley. Liverpool defeated Chelsea 1-0 in a match that went to extra time, testing Kavanagh’s fitness and decision-making over 120 minutes. He handled the pressure well, letting the match flow while maintaining control during a tense extra period.

Kavanagh has built a reputation for fitness that stands out even among elite officials. His ability to keep pace with the fastest transitions in modern football gives him better positioning on crucial decisions.

He tends to be interventionist when necessary but prefers to let games develop naturally, earning respect from players who appreciate officials who understand the rhythm of matches.

Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire)

• Premier League debut: March 2013 (Swansea City 1-0 Newcastle United)
• Big matches: 2019 Championship Play-Off Semi-Final (Derby County vs Leeds United)

Pawson has been refereeing since 1993, putting in decades of work before reaching the Premier League.

He officiated regularly in the Football League during the 2012-13 season, including 12 Championship matches and a Wembley appearance for the League Two play-off final between Crewe Alexandra and Cheltenham Town.

His Premier League debut came in March 2013 at the Liberty Stadium.

By 2015, Pawson had earned his FIFA badge, becoming the seventh English referee on the international list. This opened opportunities to officiate Champions League and Europa League fixtures as either a referee or an additional assistant.

The 2019 Championship play-off semi-final between Derby and Leeds represented a high-pressure assignment.

The match came months after the “Spygate” affair that saw Leeds fined £200,000, adding extra scrutiny. Pawson awarded Derby a penalty in the second half before reversing the decision on advice from his assistant, showing willingness to collaborate with his team even under intense pressure.

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Jarred Gillett (Australia/Queensland)

• Premier League debut: September 2021 (Watford 1-1 Newcastle United)
• Big matches: 2018 A-League Grand Final (multiple appearances as Australia’s top referee)

Gillett made history on September 25, 2021, becoming the first person born outside the British Isles to referee a Premier League match when he took charge of Watford versus Newcastle.

The Australian had built an impressive resume in the A-League, winning Referee of the Year four times and officiating five A-League Grand Finals.

His journey to England began in 2019 when he joined Select Group 2 after taking a post-doctoral research position at Liverpool John Moores University.

Gillett officiated his first EFL match in April 2019 and worked his way through the Championship. In June 2021, PGMOL promoted him to Select Group 1 alongside three other referees.

The Australians’ presence represents a philosophical shift in English officiating. PGMOL traditionally promoted only British officials, but Gillett proved that quality transcends borders.

His communication style differs slightly from his English colleagues, more direct in some ways, which has actually worked to his advantage. As a Liverpool supporter, Gillett cannot officiate matches involving either Merseyside club, maintaining the integrity standards required at this level.

Paul Tierney (Lancashire)

• Premier League debut: August 2014
• Big matches: 2023 FA Cup Final (Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United)

Tierney has been officiating Premier League matches for over a decade, building one of the most solid track records in English football. The Wigan-born official earned the massive responsibility of refereeing the 2023 FA Cup final between Manchester’s two giants at Wembley.

He became a FIFA referee in 2015, gaining the credentials to officiate European and international fixtures. Tierney made history during the 2022-23 season by becoming the first referee to take charge of 20 Premier League matches in a single campaign, demonstrating his consistency and the trust PGMOL places in him.

The Lancashire official tends to take a measured approach with yellow cards, preferring verbal warnings before reaching for his pocket.

This management style works particularly well in matches between top teams where players generally understand the stakes and self-regulate. His experience shows in how he anticipates problems before they develop, positioning himself to prevent escalation rather than reacting to it.

Simon Hooper (Wiltshire)

• Premier League debut: August 2015
• Big matches: League One Play-Off Finals (two appearances)

Hooper has been a regular top-flight official since 2018, quietly accumulating over 100 Premier League fixtures without generating many headlines.

Born in 1982, the Wiltshire referee made his first Premier League appearance in 2015 and steadily earned more assignments as his competence became clear.

His refereeing style emphasizes positioning and anticipation. Hooper consistently finds the right angles to see potential fouls without interfering with play, a skill that sounds simple but requires years to master.

He manages technical areas exceptionally well, keeping coaches and substitutes in line without creating unnecessary drama or making the conflict about himself.

Hooper represents the type of official who makes the game better by staying out of the spotlight. Fans rarely discuss him after matches, which in modern refereeing might be the highest compliment possible.

His two League One play-off final appointments demonstrate trust from PGMOL for high-stakes matches outside the top flight.

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Andrew Madley (West Yorkshire)

• Premier League debut: March 2018
• Big matches: Regular top-flight assignments

Andrew Madley comes from a refereeing family. His brother Bobby also officiates at a high level, creating a unique sibling legacy in English football.

Andrew worked his way up through the pyramid, spending years in the lower divisions before earning his Premier League opportunity in March 2018.

The West Yorkshire official brings a no-nonsense approach to his work. He makes decisions quickly and stands by them, even when replays suggest he might have gotten something wrong. This confidence proves essential in an environment where hesitation gets interpreted as weakness.

Madley’s career path followed the traditional route through the Football League, giving him exposure to every level of English professional football.

That experience helps him understand different playing styles and competitive intensities, adapting his approach based on what each match requires.

Robert Jones (Merseyside)

• Premier League debut: December 2019
• Big matches: Growing portfolio of top-flight assignments

Jones grew up in Merseyside, surrounded by football-obsessed communities where the game means everything. That regional knowledge helps when managing matches where the atmosphere can turn hostile instantly.

He made his Premier League debut in December 2019 and has improved dramatically since then.

The Merseyside official has earned assignments in bigger matches as his confidence and decision-making have become more consistent. Jones understands the passion that drives both supporters and players, using that emotional intelligence to manage flashpoints before they escalate.

His development represents the ongoing nature of refereeing careers. Officials who show promise get opportunities, and those who seize them earn more responsibility. Jones has demonstrated the growth that PGMOL looks for when developing its next generation of elite referees.

Peter Bankes (Merseyside)

• Premier League debut: August 2019 (Leicester City 3-1 Bournemouth)
• Big matches: Arsenal 2-2 Manchester City (2024), high-profile top-six encounters

Bankes started refereeing at age 14 in 1996, showing early dedication to the profession.

He joined the EFL Referee List in 2014 and spent five years officiating Championship matches, gaining experience that prepared him for the Premier League. His debut came in August 2019 at the King Power Stadium.

Born in May 1982, Bankes became a Select Group One official ahead of the 2019-20 season. He has officiated over 130 Championship matches and accumulated significant experience across 83 National League games. As chairman of the Bootle Referees’ Association, Bankes gives back to grassroots officiating while managing his elite career.

His style differs markedly from fellow Merseyside official Robert Jones. Bankes tends to be more interventionist, quicker to blow his whistle and assert authority.

This approach works well in games that need a firm hand from the opening minutes. His fitness is exceptional even by Premier League standards, often covering more ground than some midfielders.

John Brooks (Leicestershire)

• Premier League debut: December 2021 (Wolves 0-0 Burnley)
• Big matches: Building experience at top level

Brooks officiated his first League Two match in August 2016, taking charge of Blackpool versus Exeter City. He has refereed slightly under 100 Championship games, building the foundation required for Premier League appointments.

The Leicestershire official emphasizes communication with players more than most referees. Brooks talks constantly during matches, explaining decisions and bringing players into his thought process. This transparency generally works well, creating an environment where players feel heard even when they disagree. The approach can occasionally slow games more than necessary, but it also prevents situations from festering into bigger problems.

Brooks has comprehensive technical knowledge of the laws of the game, making him a favorite among coaches who appreciate officials that truly understand the rulebook. His assignments have grown as he demonstrates consistency and competence at the highest level.

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Darren England (South Yorkshire)

• Premier League debut: January 2020
• Big matches: VAR for Liverpool 1-2 Tottenham (2023, controversial Luis Diaz offside)

England has become more familiar to fans through his VAR work than his on-field performances, highlighting how modern refereeing requires expertise in multiple roles.

He was appointed to the Premier League’s group of referees in August 2017 and made his top-flight debut as a referee in January 2020.

The South Yorkshire official experienced his most controversial moment in September 2023 when he was on VAR duty for Liverpool versus Tottenham. England made what PGMOL later called a “significant human error” by failing to overturn an offside call against Luis Diaz when replays clearly showed the Colombian was onside.

The mistake potentially cost Liverpool a goal in a match they lost 2-1, generating intense criticism and scrutiny.

Despite that high-profile error, England’s on-field work remains solid. He makes quick decisions and allows physical battles to play out without constant interruption.

England represents the generation of officials who have had to adapt to technology becoming central to their profession, learning to operate effectively both on the pitch and in the VAR booth.

Michael Salisbury (Lancashire)

• Premier League debut: November 2021
• Big matches: Regular Premier League assignments

Salisbury continues Lancashire’s tradition of producing quality officials. He came through the system later than some colleagues, bringing maturity and life experience to his refereeing.

The Lancashire official manages matches quietly, intervening only when necessary and allowing the game to flow naturally. His positioning at set pieces stands out, giving him clear views of the wrestling and holding that often occurs in penalty areas during corners and free kicks.

This attention to detail helps him spot infractions that other officials might miss.

Salisbury represents the steady, reliable type of official that makes up the core of any refereeing group. He might not get the biggest assignments yet, but his consistency earns trust from PGMOL and respect from the clubs he officiates.

Tony Harrington (Cleveland)

• Premier League debut: December 2021
• Big matches: First red card shown in February 2024

Harrington spent nine years as a Football League referee before his 2021 promotion to the Premier League. The Cleveland official has taken charge of more than 30 top-flight fixtures, building experience gradually. Interestingly, he did not show his first Premier League red card until February 2024, demonstrating either exceptional game management or perhaps excessive leniency.

He has developed a reputation for handling lower-table matches exceptionally well, understanding the desperation that comes with relegation battles.

Harrington’s empathy for struggling teams shows in how he manages players fighting for their livelihoods. He remains firm when necessary but never dismissive of the pressure these players face.

The Cleveland region produces fewer elite referees than Lancashire, Yorkshire, or the Midlands, making Harrington’s success even more notable.

He represents the diversity of pathways into elite officiating, proving that talent can emerge from anywhere.

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Tim Robinson (West Sussex)

• Premier League debut: December 2019
• Big matches: Increasing assignments in important fixtures

Robinson has shown consistent improvement since his December 2019 debut, earning bigger assignments as his confidence grows. The West Sussex official tends to favor letting play continue rather than blowing for minor fouls, making him popular with managers who want their teams to build momentum.

His positioning and decision-making have become sharper over recent seasons. Robinson processes information quickly, making him effective in the modern game’s high-speed transitions.

The challenge now is proving he can handle the very biggest matches, those title deciders and top-four battles where intensity reaches another level.

Robinson’s career trajectory demonstrates how PGMOL develops officials through increasing responsibility. Referees who handle mid-table matches well earn opportunities in higher-stakes games, creating a meritocratic system that rewards consistent performance.

Samuel Barrott (West Riding)

• Premier League debut: October 2023
• Big matches: First season establishing himself

Barrott had a remarkably quick rise to the Premier League, officiating at the non-league level as recently as 2020. After a few years in the Football League, he was promoted to the Premier League on a full-time basis in 2024 and added to FIFA’s list of international referees in December of that year.

The West Riding official made his Premier League debut in October 2023 and has quickly demonstrated the composure needed at this level. Barrott understands that modern refereeing requires more than just knowing the laws.

It demands psychology, communication skills, and the ability to make split-second decisions while knowing every angle will be analyzed endlessly.

At 30 years old, Barrott represents a new generation of officials who are more comfortable with technology and social media scrutiny than their predecessors. His rapid ascent suggests PGMOL identified exceptional talent that warranted fast-tracking through the system.

Thomas Bramall (Sheffield)

• Premier League debut: August 2022
• Big matches: Regular Premier League assignments

Bramall made his Premier League debut in August 2022, following the traditional pathway through the Football League. The Sheffield official learned his craft in front of smaller crowds at places like Barnsley and Rotherham before stepping up to the massive stages of Old Trafford, Anfield, and the Emirates.

His approach is straightforward and instinctive. Bramall calls what he sees without overthinking decisions, a style that serves him well in fast-paced matches where hesitation leads to losing control.

He processes the game in real-time, trusting his first impression rather than second-guessing himself.

The Sheffield official represents solid, dependable refereeing without the flash or controversy that follows some of his colleagues. Bramall does his job, manages matches competently, and lets the players decide outcomes rather than becoming the story himself.

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