The match officials for Leeds United’s Yorkshire derby against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday have been announced, with Dean Whitestone set to be the man in the middle.

Born in Northampton, Whitestone has officiated over 500 games in the EFL and is part of the Select Group 2 list of referees.

He has previously taken charge of seven Leeds United fixtures, with Leeds winning once, drawing three times and losing three times.  He has issued 15 yellow cards to Leeds in those games.

The last time he refereed Leeds was in the 1-1 Championship home draw at Elland Road with Birmingham City in January 2015.

For Sheffield Wednesday, Whitestone has overseen 10 matches, with the Owls winning seven, drawing twice and losing just once.

Sheffield Wednesday have been awarded two penalties in those games, been issued with 16 yellow cards and like the Whites, have not seen a player dismissed by Whitestone.

This season, Whitestone has taken charge of four matches and is yet to issue a red card, with his last Crystal Palace’s 4-2 win at Plymouth in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

2023/24 stats

Games (all competitions): 4

Yellow cards issued: 16

Red cards issued: 0

Other match officials selected

Assistant referees: Lee Venamore & Matthew McGrath

Fourth official: Martin Coy