PGMOL questioned as late Leeds United v Sunderland referee issue emerges
Leeds United take on Sunderland in a huge clash at the top of the Championship on Monday, with a late refereeing change being announced.
Craig Pawson had been down to officiate the contest on 17 February, but Stuart Attwell will now take charge instead.
BBC Radio Leeds reporter Adam Pope announced the news via his personal X account [17 February], barely five hours before kick-off at Elland Road.
The EFL and PGMOL have not announced exactly why the change has been made, especially so close to the game.
There have been suggestions Pawson is a fan of one of the Sheffield clubs – either United or Wednesday – but that has not been confirmed.
Stuart Attwell to referee Leeds United v Sunderland
Whatever the official reason may be, Attwell will now be the man in the middle for the promotion six-pointer between Leeds and Sunderland in West Yorkshire.
And while former Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes it is sensible to take Pawson out of the line of fire due to his Sheffield links, the timing has been questioned.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Hackett – who is from Sheffield – said: “I do think this is a sensible decision by the PGMOL.
“At the start of each season the referee declares to the PGMOL the team they support. In my era, if either Sheffield Wednesday or Sheffield United were vying for promotion, I would not be appointed to officiate a team in the top five.
“That was the early practice operated by the Football League and Premier League. The same would also apply with regard to relegation.
“I do think that the PGMOL could have avoided this problem with a little more thought, though. And none of this is to question the integrity of referee Pawson.”
Leeds face huge showdown with Sunderland
Daniel Farke has Leeds United well on course to achieving their only aim for the campaign: Promotion back to the Premier League.
Finishing top of the pile would be the icing on the cake, and three points against a strong Sunderland side would go a long way towards doing just that.
The Whites are currently second to Sheffield United, albeit they are only one point behind with this game in hand to play.
Third-placed Burnley are four points further back, meanwhile, and Sunderland are seven points adrift having played the same number of matches.
It makes for an intriguing affair at Elland Road – one in which Attwell, and no longer Pawson, will be overseeing.