Oliver Refs Cardiff Clash

Michael Oliver will take charge of Queens Park Rangers' fixture this weekend as they host playoff chasing Cardiff City.

Mr Oliver from Northumberland is the son of fellow official Clive Oliver and believes his father was the inspiration behind making the decision to become a referee.

At the age of 14 the young official took up refereeing and eight years later at the age of 22 he had made the national list of officials.

He holds the record for the youngest official to ply his trade at Wembley when refereeing Morecambe's playoff final victory over Exeter City. He and Clive are the only father and son partnership to appear on the list at the same time.

Thus far this season in 23 games Mr Oliver has dished out 64 yellow cards and four reds, giving him a card average of 2.96 cards per game.

This weekend he will be assisted by Mr Neil Hair (Cambridgeshire) and Mr Steven Phipps (Oxfordshire) - the fourth official Mr Steve Creighton (Berkshire).

Refereeing Rangers

Mr Oliver has taken charge of just one QPR game in his brief career - the slender final day defeat to Preston North End last season.

Jon Parkin had handed the Lilywhites the lead before former PNE striker Patrick Agyemang equalised for Rangers. When they needed their goal most the hosts had Sean St Ledger to thank for the winner.

Mr Oliver & Queens Park Rangers

Preston North End 2-1 QPR - 03-05-2009
Goals: Jon Parkin 37, Sean St Ledger 74; Patrick Agyemang 57
Yellow Cards: Billy Jones, Sean St Ledger; Matt Connolly, Mikele Leigertwood




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