Kettle has a reputation for reaching for his card far too often and his record suggests that reputation is somewhat accurate. When he came off the field at the end of the 
He’s in his third season as a Football League referee, the 39 year old was promoted for the 2003/04 season after five years as an assistant referee. Since he took charge of his first game in August 2003, he has collected a staggering 337 yellow and 26 red cards.
So the last three games are very much out of character, as was the day of his only
His figures this season are frightening – 47 home players and 72 away players have received yellow cards whilst the five of the red cards have gone to away team players. Three of them were in the same game as Rotherham finished with eight players as they conceded a stoppage time goal in a 1-1 draw at
Both managers heavily criticised his handling of the game, they are not the only managers to do so, but he was slated on live television by Gary Birtles and Nigel Clough for his handling of the FA Cup tie between Mansfield and Grays. Clough virtually accused him of cheating the Conference club.
It is his first visit to Turf Moor to referee, he didn’t cause us too many problems the last time we had him. He may have a quiet game tomorrow, but this referee seriously worries me.
He will be assisted by former Football League referee Eddie Evans (Greater Manchester) and Mark Haywood (Yorkshire) whilst the fourth official duties will be carried out by Andy Newell (
Previous Burnley games:
Season | Opps | V | Res | Y | R | Burnley players carded |
a | ||||||
2004/05 | Cardiff | a | 0-2 | 1 | 0 | Valois |