EnglandMatches analysed: 972023–2026John Busby: referee stats
John Busby (England) has shown 3.68 cards per game in 97 analysed matches — −7% compared with the average of the same leagues. Profile: lenient.
Lenient · −7%Upcoming matches with John Busby
Referee radar
Percentile among 3039 referees with at least 15 matches; 50 = typical referee. Each axis compares the referee with the average of the leagues where this referee officiates.
Cards per match (last 20 matches)
John Busby by competition
| Competition | Matches | Cards/g | League avg | vs league | Penalty | Red card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Championship | 76 | 3.76 | 4.00 | −5% | 13% | 8% |
| League One | 10 | 3.60 | 4.07 | −6% | 20% | 10% |
| League Two | 6 | 3.50 | 4.21 | −6% | 17% | 0% |
| League Cup | 4 | 2.25 | 3.24 | −7% | 25% | 0% |
| FA Cup | 1 | 5.00 | 3.53 | +3% | 0% | 0% |
Last matches refereed by John Busby
| Date | Match | Score | Cards (home–away) | Fouls | Pen. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 3 Nov | Preston – Sheffield UtdChampionship | 2:3 | 0 | — | — |
| Sat 24 Oct | Charlton – NorwichChampionship | 1:3 | 0 | — | — |
| Sat 17 Oct | Leyton Orient – BlackpoolLeague One | 2:0 | 4 | 27 | 0 |
| Tue 13 Oct | Cardiff – WatfordChampionship | 5:1 | 5 | 24 | 0 |
| Sat 19 Sept | Portsmouth – BlackburnChampionship | 2:2 | 3 | 25 | 0 |
| Sat 12 Sept | Derby – BirminghamChampionship | 1:2 | 4 | 20 | 0 |
| Sat 29 Aug | Cardiff – Sheffield UtdChampionship | 2:2 | 4 | 23 | 1 |
| Tue 25 Aug | Stoke City – Hull CityLeague Cup | 1:1 | 2 | 17 | 0 |
| Sat 22 Aug | Wrexham – WatfordChampionship | 1:1 | 2 | 24 | 0 |
| Sat 25 Apr | QPR – DerbyChampionship | 2:3 | 4 | 20 | 0 |
| Sat 18 Apr | Watford – Sheffield UtdChampionship | 0:2 | 6 | 20 | 0 |
| Sat 11 Apr | Charlton – PrestonChampionship | 1:2 | 5 | 14 | 0 |
| Fri 3 Apr | Newport County – Crawley TownLeague Two | 0:2 | 6 | 24 | 0 |
| Fri 3 Apr | Birmingham – BlackburnChampionship | 0:1 | 1 | 21 | 0 |
| Sat 21 Mar | QPR – PortsmouthChampionship | 6:1 | 6 | 26 | 1 |
How the numbers are calculated
Cards = yellow and red cards shown to players during 90 minutes (a second yellow counts as a yellow plus a red, as most bookmakers settle). Cards for coaches and substitutes on the bench and cards in extra time are excluded. Penalties = penalties awarded during the match (shoot-outs excluded). “vs league” compares the referee with the average of the exact league seasons this referee worked, so a referee from a card-heavy league is not called strict just because of the league.
Data: official match events and statistics (API-Sports), updated daily.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards does John Busby give per game?
On average 3.68 cards per game in 97 analysed matches (league average in the same competitions: 3.99).
Is John Busby a strict referee?
Compared with the leagues where John Busby officiates, the card count is −7% – profile: lenient. A red card appeared in 7% of these matches.
How often do matches with John Busby go over 4.5 cards?
Over 4.5 cards in 32% of matches and over 3.5 cards in 50%. Both teams were booked in 73%.
Does John Busby give many penalties?
A penalty was awarded in 14% of matches refereed by John Busby.