Sunderland vs Stoke City: Who is the referee?

Ahead of this Saturday's Championship fixture between Sunderland and Stoke City, here is everything you need to know about the referee.

The EFL have appointed Jeremy Simpson to take charge of Sunderland's Championship match against Stoke City. 

Simpson will be accompanied by his two assistants, James Wilson and Adrian Waters, as well as fourth official, Ben Toner. 

Simpson has a wealth of experience officiating across English football, with a total of 396 career appearances, 331 of those coming in the Football League, and 30 games in domestic cup competitions. 

He also refereed in the EFL play-off semi final in League One during the 17/18 season between Shrewsbury and Charlton, as well as an international friendly involving England's U19s in the 15/16 season. 

Jeremy Simpson in the warm up for a Championship clash between QPR and Reading

Simpson's record in Sunderland matches

Games: 12
Sunderland wins: 4
Draws: 5
Sunderland defeats: 3

Simpson has been the man in the middle for two games involving Sunderland this season, both coming in the Championship, and both finishing in a draw. 

He also refereed two games for Sunderland in last season's campaign in League One, one resulting in a 1-1 draw with Oxford United, and the other finishing as a 3-1 loss to Lincoln City. 

Simpson during Sunderland's match against Oxford United last season

Simpson had an eventful match in the 3-1 loss to Lincoln City, granting both sides penalties in the second half and sending off Sunderland midfielder, Carl Winchester, for Lincoln's penalty. 

Lincoln's early lead, from former Sunderland forward Chris Maguire, sent the Black Cats into half time 1-0 down. 

Carl Winchester's professional foul as the last man for Sunderland gave the away side a penalty, which Maguire put away, and left Sunderland a man down.

Despite Ross Stewart converting from the spot to make it 2-1, his goal came to be just a consolation, as 10-man Sunderland faced an uphill battle for the majority of the second half. 

The game finished 3-1 when Maguire completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute to top off a bad day at the office for The Black Cats, something they won't be looking to replicate this Saturday. 

In terms of this season, Simpson was in charge of the home draws against Blackpool and QPR. 

Simpson's overall record this season

Games: 21
Yellow cards: 94
Red cards: 1
Penalties awarded: 5
Cards per game: 4.48

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