EnglandMatches analysed: 712023–2026Matthew Russell: referee stats
Matthew Russell (England) has shown 2.99 cards per game in 71 analysed matches — −20% compared with the average of the same leagues. Profile: very lenient.
Very lenient · −20%Upcoming matches with Matthew Russell
Referee radar
Percentile among 3040 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)
Matthew Russell by competition
| Competition | Matches | Cards/g | League avg | vs league | Penalty | Red card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 League One | 19 | 3.11 | 3.92 | −13% | 21% | 5% |
| National League | 19 | 3.32 | 4.04 | −11% | 16% | 11% |
| League Two | 15 | 3.33 | 4.17 | −12% | 13% | 7% |
| EFL Trophy | 8 | 1.75 | 3.24 | −17% | 0% | 13% |
| Premier League 2 Division One | 7 | 3.43 | 4.11 | −7% | 43% | 29% |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1.00 | 3.53 | −5% | 0% | 0% |
| League Cup | 1 | 1.00 | 3.19 | −5% | 0% | 0% |
| National League Cup | 1 | 0.00 | 2.34 | −5% | 0% | 0% |
Last matches refereed by Matthew Russell
| Date | Match | Score | Cards (home–away) | Fouls | Pen. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 10 Nov | Oxford United – CheltenhamEFL Trophy | 4:0 | 0 | 18 | 0 |
| Tue 27 Oct | Luton – DoncasterLeague One | 3:1 | 4 | 22 | 0 |
| Sat 3 Oct | Crewe – Bristol RoversLeague Two | 3:1 | 8 | 36 | 0 |
| Mon 21 Sept | AFC Bournemouth U21 – Stoke City U21Premier League 2 Division One | 2:1 | 4 | — | 0 |
| Sat 5 Sept | Aldershot Town – FC Halifax TownNational League | 1:0 | 3 | — | 1 |
| Tue 1 Sept | Salford City – Newport CountyLeague Two | 2:1 | 4 | 30 | 0 |
| Sat 22 Aug | Walsall – GrimsbyLeague Two | 0:0 | 2 | 27 | 0 |
| Sat 2 May | Stevenage – WiganLeague One | 1:0 | 2 | 30 | 0 |
| Mon 6 Apr | Mansfield Town – Burton AlbionLeague One | 0:0 | 4 | 24 | 0 |
| Tue 17 Mar | Peterborough – RotherhamLeague One | 5:0 | 2 | 18 | 2 |
| Sat 7 Mar | Blackpool – WiganLeague One | 1:1 | 3 | 28 | 0 |
| Sat 21 Feb | Wycombe – StevenageLeague One | 3:1 | 2 | 14 | 0 |
| Fri 13 Feb | Crystal Palace U21 – Fulham U21Premier League 2 Division One | 2:1 | 3 | — | 0 |
| Sat 7 Feb | Bristol Rovers – ChesterfieldLeague Two | 2:3 | 5 | 23 | 0 |
| Sat 17 Jan | Crawley Town – Notts CountyLeague Two | 1:2 | 4 | 27 | 0 |
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 Matthew Russell give per game?
On average 2.99 cards per game in 71 analysed matches (league average in the same competitions: 3.91).
Is Matthew Russell a strict referee?
Compared with the leagues where Matthew Russell officiates, the card count is −20% – profile: very lenient. A red card appeared in 10% of these matches.
How often do matches with Matthew Russell go over 4.5 cards?
Over 4.5 cards in 11% of matches and over 3.5 cards in 38%. Both teams were booked in 73%.
Does Matthew Russell give many penalties?
A penalty was awarded in 17% of matches refereed by Matthew Russell.