The Premier League has appointed Craig Pawson to take charge of this weekend’s game at the Etihad between Manchester City and Swansea City.
Sunday 22 April 2018
Premier League
Manchester City vs Swansea City
Etihad Stadium
Kick off 4:30pm BST
Live on TV within the UK on Sky Sports
Assistants
Stuart Burt and Constantine Hatzidakis
Fourth official
Paul Tierney
Craig Pawson
Craig Pawson has been appointed referee for this Sunday's match between the champions and Swansea at the Etihad. pic.twitter.com/lWgxMoG2ps
— City Watch (@City_Watch) April 17, 2018
The 39-year-old self-confessed Sheffield United fan has, so far this season taken charge of 30 domestic, Europa League and one World Cup qualifying games and in doing so brandished 104 yellow and four red cards.
In 2015 Pawson was promoted to the FIFA International Referees List meaning he can take charge of international fixtures, as well as Champions and Europa League ties. Sadly, the South Yorkshire born man-in-black, or whatever colour they wear these days and not been picked to officiate any games during this summer’s World Cup. Having said that, neither has any other English born ref.
Games involving Manchester City (2017/18)
Sunday 25 February 2018
EFL Cup Final
Arsenal 0-3 City
On this occasion both Vinny and Fern went into the ref’s naughty book.
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Saturday 16 December 2017
Premier League
City 4-1 Tottenham
Two City players saw yellow, Otamendi and Fabian Delph.
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Sunday 26 November 2017
Premier League
Huddersfield 1-2 City
Three City bookings this time. Leroy Sane, David Silva and Fernandinho.
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Saturday 14 October 2017
Premier League
City 7-2 Stoke
Hurrah – no player from either side received a caution.
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As you can see from the above, City has scored a total of 16 goals and four against while Mr Pawson was in charge, while at the same time City players have received seven yellows.
If fate has anything to do with it I would suggest the statistics look favourable on Sunday.