Premier League referees are known for their commitment to impartiality during matches. Their job is to ensure fair play and uphold the rules, regardless of which teams are playing.
However, outside of their official duties, many referees are passionate football fans with favorite teams. This raises an interesting question: which teams do Premier League referees support?
Recently, Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), announced a new policy aimed at increasing transparency. For the 2024/25 season, referees are required to declare their football allegiances.
Webb explained that this measure would help address any concerns about potential conflicts of interest. He said,
“When referees submit their allegiance forms, they are asked to declare any specific interests at the start of the season. If these interests change during the season, they must update their declarations.”
Webb emphasized that these declarations would be reviewed to determine if any conflicts arise. If a referee has personal connections with club staff or any other potential conflicts, these would be considered when making appointment decisions.
Anthony Taylor supports Altrincham and Man United
However, just hours after Webb’s announcement, a report by Martyn Ziegler of The Times that PGMOL had decided not to make these allegiance declarations public. This decision has left many wondering how much we will learn about the personal football loyalties of referees.
While the PGMOL decides the best approach for transparency, we can still offer insights into the backgrounds of current Premier League referees. This includes where they grew up and whether they openly support specific football teams.
By understanding these personal details, football fans can gain a better perspective on the individuals officiating their matches, even if their official allegiances remain a private matter.
Who do Premier League referees support and where are they from?
