Former Greswell Primary School teacher Matt Donohue had an eventful start to 2020, sending off Ashley Williams in Bristol City's 4-0 defeat to Brentford on New Year's Day.
It was Matt's 13th game in the Championship this season, having been promoted to Select Group 2 of Referees for the 2019/20 campaign.
Matt, who is affiliated with the Manchester Football Association – like fellow referee Chris Kavanagh, who hails from Ashton and has taken charge of some of the country’s biggest games, including the Merseyside Derby last season – has also taken charge of three games in League Two and one game in League One.
During his time in the middle this season, Matt has issued 79 yellow cards and four red cards. He was left with no choice but to send Williams off on New Year's Day, after the former Everton defender brought down Ollie Watkins when through on goal.
He was on fourth official duty in Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie between Burnley and Peterborough United at Turf Moor. The Clarets won 4-2 and have since been rewarded with a home fixture in the fourth round against Premier League strugglers, Norwich City.
Picture courtesy of James Gill Media
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