Meet the referee: Everton v Boro

Last updated : 04 November 2005 By Reggie Holdsworth
Mike Riley (West Yorkshire)
b. 17-12-1964

Mike Riley is in charge of his second Boro game this season, the first being the 2-1 home win against Aresenal. That victory brought his record over the past two seasons to seven games, Boro winning six and drawing the other.

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 in red hot form, booking 55 players (35 in last 6) and sending off 4 in just 12 games.