The match officials for Leeds United’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday have been announced, with Lewis Smith set to take charge at Ewood Park.

Since being in the middle of a Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton’s Under-18s on debut back in 2016, the official has gone on to referee nearly 250 matches to date.

Working his way up the footballing pyramid, Smith has officiated four times in the Premier League. Two of those have come this campaign – most recently in the capital for Brentford's 4-3 triumph over Ipswich Town.

Despite only making his debut in 2016, Smith has officiated in all of England’s top six divisions and domestic cups, as well as being in the middle for two J1 League matches in Japan.

Smith has taken charge of two fixtures involving the Whites, starting with an FA Cup Fourth Round tie with Plymouth Argyle last season. Previously, the referee oversaw Leeds’ impressive 2-0 Yorkshire derby victory over Sheffield United in October.

The official’s only ever clash involving Blackburn Rovers came earlier this season, when the Lancashire outfit ran out 1-0 winners over Oxford United at Ewood Park.

2024/25 stats:

Games (all competitions): 19

Yellow cards issued: 64

Red cards issued: 3

Other match officials selected:

Assistant referees: Andrew Dallison & Hristo Karaivanov

Fourth official: Leigh Doughty