Meet The Ref - Latics v Sunderland - Kevin Friend

The Wigan Athletic v Sunderland Premier League clash on Tuesday will be refereed by the same official that took charge of the reverse fixture back in November when the Latics won 2-1, Leicester's very own, Kevin Friend.

Of course there was a meet the ref article produced at the time, but for those who haven't seen it take a look below:

Friend (sounds strange saying that!) has seen a bit of controversy when refereeing a Latics game, last season he was in charge of the 2-1 defeat away to Blackburn Rovers in November when he inexplicably disallowed a Charles N'Zogbia goal for, well for nothing.

The 39 year old has been refereeing since he was just 13 and made the grade all the way to the top when on 20th September 2009 he took charge of the Premier League game between Wolves and Fulham.

Speaking last summer about his appointment to the select group of ref`s Friend said he was chuffed but also that it was a challenge, now what could he mean by that?

Well being a former postie he could be worrying that if he got the letters wrong when booking or sending off players he could end up with the sack, sorry, couldn't resist. So remember Kev its C-A-T-T-E-R-M-O-L-E

Friend said about his appointment to the big league: 'I'm chuffed to bits and really thrilled'

'It is also a big challenge because it will be completely different to what I'm used to.

'There's a lot of pressure in the Premier League and there's a lot of money involved. I've been fourth official at all the big venues, but being out there in the middle will be a totally new experience.

'My promotion means I'm now full-time which allows me to concentrate solely on the football.'

Here's hoping the fussy ref will be regarded as a friend of the Latics come 10 pm on Tuesday.

Kevin Friend Card Watch 2011/12

Games - 16
Yellows - 57
Reds - 2

Wigan Athletic v Sunderland (7.45pm)

Referee: K Friend
Assistants: J Flynn, D C Richards
Fourth Official: M Dean
Match Delegate: M McGuire
PGMO: J Worrall

















Latics and Proud



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