Who is the referee for Millwall vs Sunderland?

Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Sunderland (League one play-offs, 9 May 2022)

Talking about good away days, the play-offs semi-final win over Sheffield Wednesday has to be right up there.

A goal up from the first leg, Sunderland knew they would not have their own way in front of a packed and partisan Hillsborough.

For those watching on television, it was the night when Sky Sports Andy Hinchcliffe did his level best to ruin the night by relentlessly effusing about the talents of Barry Bannan. Those in the away end didn’t have their hearing subjected to such inescapable abuse, but they did return with open wounds on their shins painlessly suffered through euphotic celebration in a cramped old ground.

Lee Gregory hauled the hosts level in the tie with 15 minutes left, but Patrick Roberts sent everyone crazy – and tens of thousands to Wembley – with an injury-time winner.

Sheffield United 2-1 Sunderland (Championship, 17 August 2022)

Linington gave a decision in this one that had a huge effect on the result, although no one would really argue he got it wrong.

Just past the half hour and with the scores still level, Dan Neil turned into trouble, got dispossessed and hauled down the attacker when he was about to run in on goal. It was as obvious a red card as you’ll see.

Sunderland did well with ten men for the remainder, eventually losing 2-1. Lynden Gooch got the Sunderland goal, and a lovely one it was too.

Sunderland 1-2 West Brom (Championship, 12 December 2022)

Linington again had a decision to make at a snowy Stadium of Light last December against West Brom. This one went in Sunderland’s favour, though.

Midway through the first half Amad Diallo was pulled down from behind in the penalty box and Linington pointed to the spot. Amad got up and scored the penalty himself.

While that decision went for Sunderland, the result didn’t due to two Baggies goals in the last 20 minutes.

Sunderland 2-0 Middlesbrough (Championship, 22 January 2023)

I don’t want to excite anyone, but Linington has been on the pitch when a striker has scored for Sunderland. I know, take all the pause you need to adequately process such information.

In fact, if you’re a Middlesbrough fan, Linington was a true Jarred Gillet-level villain that day. Ross Stewart latched onto a through ball (remember them???) just after the break and was brought down either just outside the box or just inside. 

Linington decided it was inside, sent off Dael Fry and awarded Sunderland a penalty, which Stewart missed but was able to gobble up the rebound.

Amad Diallo sealed the points with a classy late second.

Preston 2-1 Sunderland (Championship, 12 August 2023)

This will be the second time Linington has refereed Sunderland this season, and the first one didn’t go all that swimmingly.

It was the first away day of the season and a frustrating one. Sunderland dominated, missed chances, got caught on the break and lost. You know… pretty much all the defeats this season.

One thing Linington did do though was award Sunderland a penalty. In fact, he has given Sunderland penalties in each of his last three matches featuring the Wearsiders.

James Linington record in Sunderland matches

Matches: 9
Sunderland wins: 3
Draws: 3
Sunderland defeats: 3
Sunderland players sent off: 1
Opposition players sent off: 1
Sunderland penalties awarded: 4
Opposition penalties awarded: 0

James Linington record in Millwall matches

Matches: 29
Millwall wins: 13
Draws: 5
Millwall defeats: 11
Millwall players sent off: 2
Opposition players sent off: 3
Millwall penalties awarded: 6
Opposition penalties awarded: 3

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