The Premier League is back for the 2025/26 season, and with it comes the return of the referees, figures as central to the drama as the players themselves.
Every decision they make will be dissected by managers, pundits and fans, often sparking debates about bias and fairness.
What many supporters don’t always realise, however, is that referees, like everyone else, grew up following clubs of their own.
While the league ensures officials are kept away from their boyhood teams to avoid conflicts of interest, their declared allegiances remain a source of fascination and, sometimes, controversy.
Anthony Taylor
One of the most recognised referees in the country has long been associated with National League side Altrincham.
The Manchester-born official, who has refereed in the Premier League since 2010 and became FIFA-listed in 2013, is a season ticket holder at the club.
While Taylor has built a reputation as one of England’s top officials, he has recently faced criticism, including a demotion to the Championship during the 2023/24 season after a high-profile error.
Michael Oliver
Oliver grew up just north of Newcastle and has been a supporter of Newcastle United since childhood.
A Premier League referee since 2010 and one of the youngest to ever officiate in the league, Oliver has never taken charge of a Newcastle game, nor is he likely to, in order to maintain impartiality.
Andrew Madley
Another referee with clear loyalties is Madley who, like his brother Bobby, supports Huddersfield Town.
From Huddersfield himself, Madley only joined the Premier League roster in 2019 but has quickly built experience at the top level.
David Coote
From Nottinghamshire, Coote supports Notts County. His neutrality was questioned ahead of the 2023 Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle after rumours falsely linked him to United, but PGMOL clarified his true allegiance.
However, his career has not been without controversy: Coote was dismissed from his role in late 2024 after a leaked video appeared to show him criticising Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp.
Stuart Attwell
Currently the longest-serving active Premier League referee. He is a lifelong Luton Town fan.
The Hatters’ promotion in 2023 meant Attwell could no longer officiate their games, but his ties have also led to controversy after a string of disputed decisions in matches affecting Luton’s relegation rivals.
Elsewhere, Craig Pawson is a boyhood Sheffield United supporter, while Paul Tierney follows Wigan Athletic and Darren England backs Barnsley, having even worked for the club’s community trust.
Both Simon Hooper and Graham Scott are supporters of Swindon Town.
