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Martin In The Middle Against Hull
Written by Newcastle Utd
Martin Atkinson will take charge of Newcastle's Barclay's Premier League home game against Hull on Saturday
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Martin Atkinson will take charge of Newcastle United's Barclay's Premier League home game against Hull on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
It is the first time the Yorkshire-based official has overseen a Magpies' match this season, although he was in the middle of four last term - a victory over Tottenham, a 1-1 Tyne-Wear derby draw at Sunderland, and defeats against Southampton and Everton.
In total during the 2013/14 campaign, he has refereed four games across the Premier League and Champions League, handing out 11 yellow cards and no reds, and awarding two 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 between Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as the 2011 FA Cup Final which saw Manchester City defeat Stoke.
Atkinson, aged 42, 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 Peter Kirkup and Andy Garratt, with Dean Whitestone the game's fourth official.
Tickets for the Premier League fixture against Hull on Saturday are still available. To secure your seat, click here