The Sunderland v Leeds referee for Sunday’s Premier League game at the Stadium of Light is Stuart Attwell, according to Leeds United’s official website. The club has also published its travel guide for away supporters, which confirms a 4.30pm kick-off. This guide covers both.
Who is the Sunderland v Leeds referee?
Attwell, who is 44, will take charge with Constantine Hatzidakis and Nick Hopton running the touchlines. Andrew Madley is the fourth official. Craig Pawson will be the VAR, working from Stockley Park, with Matthew Wilkes as additional VAR, the club says.
Sunderland v Leeds referee: Attwell’s record with Leeds
It is the second time this season that Attwell has refereed Leeds. He was in the middle for the 1-1 draw with Brighton at the start of September, when Jayden Bogle scored at the Amex. Before that game, he had refereed 25 Leeds matches, and the club won 12 of them. One was a 2-1 win over Sunderland at Elland Road two seasons ago, when Pascal Struijk scored twice in a comeback.
Sunderland have found it harder under him. Per the club’s figures, they have won three of 18 matches with Attwell in charge and lost eight. Their most recent one was a 0-0 draw with Manchester United last season. This season Attwell has refereed five games in all competitions and shown 28 yellow cards and two reds.
Away fans: kick-off, travel and Stadium of Light rules
With the Sunderland v Leeds referee confirmed, Leeds say kick-off is at 4.30pm and fans should arrive at least 60 minutes earlier. The Beacon of Light Fan Zone opens at 2pm and the away turnstiles at 3pm. The away section is in the North Stand, with entry through turnstiles 69 to 74.
Sunderland railway station is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the ground, and the Stadium of Light and St Peter’s Metro stations are close by. There is no parking provided, so drivers need their own plans. The stadium is cashless and does not allow re-admission.
Sunderland are running an advanced search policy for this game. Coins, vapes, power banks, flares, smoke canisters and umbrellas are not allowed inside, on top of the usual banned items. The club asks supporters to check the visiting supporters’ guide for the full list.
For team news and the wider build-up, see our Sunderland v Leeds preview. Our look back at the 1-1 draw with Manchester United covers last weekend, and our December fixtures report looks further ahead. We also covered the referee for the Manchester United game.
Sources for the Sunderland v Leeds referee appointment and away guide: Leeds United, Officials appointed for Sunderland trip and Information for supporters travelling to the Stadium of Light (both 22 October). Photo: Leeds United (leedsunited.com) – Leeds United supporters heading to Elland Road.
Comment of the Month: paid subscribers vote monthly, and the best comment wins a £20 store voucher. See the rules