Craig Pawson taken off Leeds United v Sunderland referee duties in late twist
Leeds United and Sunderland’s top-of-the-table clash on Monday night is expected to be one of the best games of this Championship season.
The Whites have been displaced at the summit ahead of kick-off thanks to Sheffield United beating Luton Town 1-0 on Saturday, but can go two points clear once again if they secure a win of their own.
Sunderland, however, will be no pushovers at Elland Road. They sit fourth in the table, just seven points behind Daniel Farke‘s side, and having the chance to draw level on points with third-placed Burnley.
It’s a similar time of year to United’s 3-1 victory over Leicester City last season, and with the match both under the floodlights and in front of the Sky Sports cameras, expect a bearpit-esque atmosphere in LS11.
Late referee change for Leeds United v Sunderland
Just under five hours ahead of kick-off at Elland Road between Leeds and Sunderland, BBC Radio Leeds reporter Adam Pope posted on his X account (17 February) that Stuart Attwell is set to take charge of the Whites’ clash with Sunderland.
That’s instead of the initially-appointed referee Craig Pawson, who purports to be a supporter of one of the teams in direct competition with both the Peacocks and Black Cats – Sheffield United.
Pawson’s appointment to oversee the fixture had been stated by the club two days prior (15 February), but Attwell, who wasn’t previously part of the four-man refereeing team, will now step into his place.
Leeds United and Sunderland could have massive ramifications
Switching referees so soon before kick-off will only heighten the anticipation ahead of this battle in Beeston, which pits two of the Championship’s four standout, leading sides against one another.
The Peacocks have long been billed as the Championship champions in-waiting, leading the table for the last 10 matchdays in a row before being displaced by Sheffield United on Saturday.
A trip to Bramall Lane to face the Blades is next on the calendar for Farke’s side after Monday’s clash with the Black Cats, and a victory at a floodlit Elland Road will provide them with the perfect springboard.
As a Sheffield United fan, Pawson won’t be taking charge of that match either, but the fact that he’s been taken off Leeds’ match against Sunderland shows how seriously the authorities are taking this fixture – albeit the official reason for the change has not yet been given.
United and Sunderland are two of the biggest clubs in England and have spent far too much time outside the top flight of late, and both will hope Monday’s match is the start of a successful promotion run-in.