Stevenage vs Pompey - Who is the referee?

Here’s all you need to know about the Preston-born referee.

Who is he?

Michael Salisbury is the son of fellow Football League official Graham Salisbury, who has been a ref since 2001 and is in charge of this weekend’s League Two clash between Cheltenham and Cambridge.

Salisbury jnr was promoted from National League level in May and only became an official in the fifth tier of English football 12 months previous, so his rise through the ranks has been quick.

His first Football League game was when he took charge of Leyton Orient’s 1-0 home defeat to Newport County last August.

On that day, Salisbury handed yellow cards to Joss Labadie and Mark Randall of Newport.

What is his record?

In his 27 games this season, Salisbury has given out 90 yellow cards at an average of 3.3 cautions per game.

He’s also issued eight reds.

What was the last game he was in charge of?

Crawley v Doncaster, on Saturday, March 4, where they played out a 0-0 draw.

He handed out five yellow cards that afternoon – three for the Red Devils and two for Donny.

Has he ever taken charge of Pompey?

No, although he took charge of Stevenage’s 1-0 win at Accrington Stanley in November.

That day he handed out six yellow cards.

The three Stevenage cautions were given to Steven Schumacher, Matt Godden, and Jobi McAnuff.