The real reason why PGMOL chose Stuart Atwell to referee Leeds vs Sunderland instead of Craig Pawson — Leeds United News 18/2/25

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Harry Dimond

The focus was on Leeds’ win against Sunderland on Monday night but there was an outside factor that almost ended up costing Daniel Farke the game.

It was an extraordinary night at Elland Road, as Leeds beat Sunderland 2-1.

The Whites are now 15 games unbeaten as Farke deserves so much praise for his job with the club this season.

It makes it even better for the Whites boss after the loan signing of Manor Solomon in the summer, who has proven to be one of the deals of the season, as Solomon was a ‘standout’ in Leeds’ win.

Pascal Struijk will take the headlines for his brace, but what happened with Stuart Atwell and Craig Pawson before the match will intrigue fans.

Why PGMOL chose Stuart Atwell to referee Leeds vs Sunderland

It was a bizarre situation that unfolded before the game.

Craig Pawson was said to be refereeing the game between Leeds and Sunderland as it brought uproar after it was revealed Pawson is a Sheffield United fan.

However, hours before the game, Atwell was appointed, with many believing Pawson was dropped due to his allegiances with the Blades.

However, The Sheffield Star have now revealed exactly why Pawson was dropped on Monday night.

According to their sources, they understand that the decision was taken purely on scheduling rather than any other reason, ruling out Pawson’s support for Chris Wilder’s side being a problem.

Pawson will now take charge of Liverpool’s trip to Aston Villa later this week.

Leeds fans would’ve had no problem with Pawson after Atwell disaster class

It gets a bit boring when talking about referees but this performance was a shocker considering the circumstances.

The fact Pawson is a Blades fan says it all about the EFL in terms of their decisions, but the Leeds faithful might not have complained after Atwell’s display.

Atwell denied Leeds a stonewall penalty which led to fury from the home support, and if Farke’s side had lost, it wouldn’t have boded well for the referee.

Adding insult to injury, Neil Warnock was fuming that Farke got booked, as the Leeds boss celebrated which seemed well within his right to do so after such a huge win.

It certainly caused controversy on and off the pitch, as the PGMOL, EFL, and all other organisations need to sort the confusion out as soon as possible.

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