Sunderland vs Sheffield United: Who is the referee?

Here is everything that you need to know about the referee for Sunderland's midweek Championship match against Sheffield United.

The EFL have announced that Matthew Donohue will be the referee for Sunderland's Championship match against Sheffield United. 

Donohue will be accompanied by his assistants, Richard Wild and Paul Hodskinson, as well as the fourth official, Ben Toner. 

After starting his career as an official at the age of just 14, the Greater Manchester-born referee progressed through the ranks until he was promoted to the National List of Referees before the 2018/19 season. 

Since then he has made a combined 159 appearances across the EFL and all domestic competitions in the country. 

Donohue's record in Sunderland games

Sunderland fans may remember Donohue from his appearance in the League One play-off semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday last season. 

Sunderland won 1-0 at the Stadium of Light in the first leg of the semi-final, going on to draw the second leg 1-1 and cementing their place in the final. 

After progressing to the final, the Black Cats emerged victorious and gained promotion to the Championship. 

Donohue has refereed two games for Sunderland so far this season, the first one coming in the Championship in a 3-0 win away to Reading in September. 

The other was an FA Cup draw away to Shrewsbury in January, which Sunderland won 2-1 and progressed through to the fourth round of the competition.

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In both games, Donohue issued two yellow cards, one of which involved Sunderland winger, Patrick Roberts, who was booked for diving in the Shrewsbury tie. 

The quick-footed dribbler appeared to be tripped in the penalty area during the first half of the match, but was surprisingly booked by Donohue for an alleged dive. 

Roberts, as well as many Sunderland fans, felt Donohue was incorrect in his decision. 

After the match, Sunderland boss, Tony Mowbray, revealed the wingers frustration in feeling that the decision 'left a stain on his character'. 

Mowbray went on to describe the decision as 'disappointing', and expressed his desire for a 'higher standard' of officiating than what Sunderland get some weeks. 

Donohue's overall record this season

Games: 28
Yellow cards: 95
Red cards: 1
Penalties awarded: 3
Cards per game: 3.39

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