The match officials for Leeds United’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Burnley on Saturday have been announced, with James Bell set to take charge at Elland Road.
The Select Group 2 referee has been in the middle for four matches so far this campaign, featuring twice in the Sky Bet Championship and twice in the Carabao Cup, starting with Coventry City’s 1-0 victory away against Bristol City in the First Round.
Leeds have won once and lost once from their two competitive fixtures overseen by Bell, beginning with last season’s emphatic 4-1 home triumph over local rivals Huddersfield Town, before the Whites fell to defeat against Blackburn Rovers in April.
Bell also refereed the club’s pre-season victory over La Liga side Valencia CF at Elland Road in August, with Mateo Joseph getting on the scoresheet in a 2-1 win.
The official has only taken charge of one match involving the visitors, with Burnley recording a resounding 5-1 success over fellow Lancashire outfit Wigan Athletic back in 2022.
As well as featuring in the EFL and both domestic cup competitions, Bell also refereed the 2019/20 National League Play-Off final at Wembley, which saw Harrogate Town beat Notts County to earn promotion to League Two for the very first time.
2024/25 stats:
Games (all competitions): 4
Yellow cards issued: 17
Red cards issued: 0
Other match officials selected:
Assistant referees: Matthew Smith & Ian Cooper
Fourth official: Paul Howard