AliousAs Sunderland gear up to face Watford in the Championship this weekend, all eyes might not just be on the players but also on the man in the middle—referee Robert Jones. Given his recent history, he’ll probably be relieved there’s no VAR to contend with in this fixture.
While many teams focus on FA Cup fourth-round action, Sunderland’s early exit means their attention is solely on league business. Fresh from a thrilling 3-2 victory over local rivals Middlesbrough, Regis Le Bris’ squad will need to maintain their momentum to secure another vital win against Watford. But beyond tactics and team selection, the spotlight could shift to Jones, who’s found himself at the center of Premier League controversy this season.
### **Who’s Officiating Sunderland vs. Watford?**
The EFL has confirmed that **Robert Jones** will take charge of the lunchtime clash at the Stadium of Light. He’ll be assisted by **Ian Hussin** and **Neil Davies**, with **Lewis Smith** serving as the fourth official.
### **A Look at Robert Jones’ Refereeing Record**
Normally seen officiating in the Premier League, Jones has presided over 16 matches this season—14 in the top flight, with just one Championship and one Carabao Cup appearance. His stats suggest a no-nonsense approach:
– **Games:** 16
– **Yellow Cards:** 74 (4.24 per game)
– **Red Cards:** 3 (all in the Premier League)
– **Penalties Awarded:** 5
– **Fouls per Game:** 26.44
Earlier this year, he awarded a penalty in the Championship clash between Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall, proving he’s not shy about making big calls even outside the Premier League spotlight.
### **The VAR Controversy That Made History**
What really sets Jones apart isn’t just his officiating stats—it’s a moment that etched his name into Premier League history. During Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, Jones found himself at the heart of a controversial VAR incident.
In a dramatic moment, Chelsea’s **Marc Cucurella** was brought down on a counter-attack, seemingly obstructed and even having his hair pulled by Bournemouth’s **David Brooks**. While Jones didn’t call a foul initially, VAR recommended he review the incident on the pitchside monitor, suggesting a red card for Brooks.
Here’s where it got interesting: after reviewing the footage, Jones **rejected VAR’s recommendation** and instead showed Brooks only a yellow card. According to the *Daily Mail*, this marked the **first time in Premier League history** that a referee dismissed a VAR recommendation for a straight red.
### **What Does This Mean for Sunderland vs. Watford?**
It’s curious that after such a high-profile incident, Jones has been assigned to a Championship fixture. Perhaps it’s routine rotation—or maybe a quiet way to take some heat off after the VAR controversy. Either way, Sunderland fans will be hoping for a smooth, drama-free performance from the official.
But with Jones’ history of making bold, independent decisions, expect the unexpected. Let’s just hope there are no hair-pulling incidents this time around.
Alious
