Meet the referee: Boro v Nuneaton

Last updated : 17 January 2006 By Reggie Holdsworth
Mike Riley (West Yorkshire)
b. 17-12-1964

Mike Riley takes charge of his fourth Boro game this season, having officiated in the 2-1 home win against Arsenal and the 1-0 defeats at Everton and Chelsea.

He started refereeing in 1980 and was appointed to the national list in 1994. Recognition by the Premier League followed in 1996 and in 1999 he was appointed to the FIFA list.

To date the most important games of his career have been the 2002 FA Cup Final and, of course, the 2004 Carling Cup Final. He also has numerous European and international games under his belt.

Last season he officiated in 39 games, showing the yellow card on 117 occasions and the red card on 11. This season he has been booked 86 players and sent off 7 in 25 games, including 10 yellow cards in his three Boro games.