Southampton have learned of the officiating team for their huge clash with Ipswich Town at St Mary’s on Saturday.
Russell Martin knows the magnitude of the game against fellow newly-promoted Ipswich, with Southampton desperate to secure their first league win of the season.
Southampton are yet to register a single Premier League point in their four games so far, whilst Ipswich have two points as they have drawn their last two matches.
It is sure to be a hotly-contested affair at St Mary’s, with the pressure of the game meaning there is the potential for the game to spill over so it will need a strong referee to maintain control.
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Southampton learn of officials for Ipswich Town match
The Premier League have confirmed that the man in the middle on Saturday will be Sam Allison, with Scott Ledger and Mat Wilkes his assistants.
The fourth official appointed is Anthony Taylor, whilst Jarred Gilled and James Mainwaring will be on VAR duty.
Saints fans will likely remember Allison for controversially sending off West Brom manager Carlos Corberan early in Southampton’s 2-0 win at The Hawthorns in February.
Corberan stopped the ball that was rolling towards him before it had left the field of play and was subsequently given his marching orders by Allison.
Speaking after the game, Martin admitted he was as bemused as anybody with the decision, saying: “It must be the rule that if you touch the ball when it is on the pitch then you get sent off. If that is a rule then it’s a crazy one.
“I was just angry because the ball hadn’t gone out and he touched it. I thought we had a chance of getting it.
“I didn’t know he was going to get sent off – that wasn’t the intention at all. I have learned a new rule, and so has Carlos, unfortunately for him.
“I have nothing but respect for Carlos. It is nonsense, he was not stopping the play intentionally. He thought the ball had gone out. It’s a tough one for him.”
Southampton without Jack Stephens for Ipswich clash
Referee Stuart Attwell was left with little choice but to send off Southampton captain Jack Stephens for his challenge on Alejandro Garnacho in the 3-0 defeat against Manchester United on Saturday.
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That will mean Stephens is suspended against Ipswich and at least Bournemouth having already sat out the Carabao Cup penalty shootout win over Everton on Tuesday night.
That ban could be extended as Stephens has been handed a further charge by the Premier League for alleged abusive language towards the officials after the red card was issued.
Martin will hope to keep all 11 players on the pitch against Ipswich this weekend as Southampton will need all the help they can get to get one over a likely relegation rival.