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Martin In The Middle Against Chelsea
Written by Newcastle Utd
Martin Atkinson will take charge of United's Premier League home fixture against Chelsea on Saturday
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Martin Atkinson will take charge of Newcastle United's Barclays Premier League fixture against Chelsea on Saturday at St. James' Park (12.45pm kick-off).
It is the third time the Yorkshire-based official has overseen a Magpies match this season, having been the man in the middle of a defeat against Manchester City and October's victory over Leicester City - both at home.
On that afternoon against the Foxes, Atkinson booked three players - Leicester's Ritchie De Laet, Liam Moore and Leonardo Ulloa.
In total during the 2014/15 campaign, he has refereed 18 games across the Premier League, Champions League and international fixtures, handing out 61 yellow cards, no reds, and awarding five penalties.
Having started refereeing at the age of 16 in his local Bradford leagues, Atkinson rose through the leagues and was appointed to his first top flight fixture in April 2005, as Manchester City took on Birmingham City.
He has grown in stature to be regarded as one of the country's top referees and in recent years has overseen the 2006 FA Community Shield, the 2011 FA Cup Final, and the 2014 Capital One Cup final, which saw Manchester City defeat Sunderland.
Atkinson, aged 43, has also run the rule over numerous World Cup and European Championships qualifiers and Champions League fixtures.
On Saturday at St. James' Park, he will be assisted by Simon Bennett and Peter Kirkup, with Robert Madley the game's fourth official.
Tickets for Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture against Chelsea at St. James' Park are still available. To secure your seat, click here.