Sunderland vs Bristol City: Who is the referee?

Ahead of this weekend's Championship match between Sunderland and Bristol City, here is everything you need to know about the referee.

Sunderland take on the in form Bristol City at the Stadium of Light, and Gavin Ward will be the man in the middle.

Ward will be assisted by Robert Hyde and James Wilson, as well as Thomas Kirk who will be taking up the role of fourth official. 

The Surrey-born official is an established referee in the Football League, making 551 appearances across all English competitions since he made his debut in 2008. 

He has made appearances in all domestic competitions in the English game, as well as three matches in the EFL play-offs. 

However, Ward has also ventured outside of the EFL, refereeing a match in the MLS between Kansas City and Toronto, as well as a youth International Friendly between England and Croatia's U19s.

Ward's record in Sunderland games this season

Ward has taken charge of two games involving Sunderland in the Championship this season, a 2-1 loss to Swansea and a 1-1 draw with Hull City.

Sunderland fans may recall Gavin Ward from the match against Hull City back in December, when Black Cat's midfielder, Elliot Embleton, received a red card whilst being stretchered off the pitch. 

Embleton receiving his red card before being stretchered off. 

With the game tied at 0-0 midway through the second half, a 50-50 challenge where both players jumped off the ground in an attempt  to win the ball, saw Embleton come off the worst of the two. 

But Gavin Ward saw the tackle as a red card offense from Embleton, to which Sunderland boss, Tony Mowbray, was not too impressed. 

Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray politely described the decision as 'rash', and thought that the referee would be 'disappointed' upon reflection of the decision. 

Between the injury and Ward pulling out his red card, six minutes had gone by, which did not boost Ward's credibility on the decision. 

Ross Stewart questioning Gavin Ward after the red card. 

After the Sunderland players' appeal to the red card, play resumed and the match finished up a 1-1 draw after Ross Stewart's goal to put Sunderland ahead was equalised by Hull in the 82nd minute.

Gavin Ward record in the Championship this season

Games: 23
Yellow cards: 79
Red cards: 1
Penalties awarded: 4
Cards per game: 3.43

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