EnglandMatches analysed: 672023–2026Matthew Russell: referee stats
Matthew Russell (England) has shown 2.93 cards per game in 67 analysed matches — −22% compared with the average of the same leagues. Profile: very lenient.
Very lenient · −22%Upcoming matches with Matthew Russell
| Date | Match | Exp. cards | Over 3.5 | Over 4.5 | Both booked | Penalty | Red card | Odds o3.5 / o4.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 21 Sept 18:00 | AFC Bournemouth U21 – Stoke City U21Premier League 2 Division One | 3.34.0 | 41%55% | 24%37% | 63% | 20% | 14% | — |
Model probabilities: the referee’s card rate combined with both teams’ discipline, shrunk toward the league average when the sample is small. League average in grey for comparison.
Referee radar
Percentile among 2950 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 National League | 19 | 3.32 | 4.04 | −11% | 16% | 11% |
| League One | 18 | 3.06 | 3.93 | −14% | 22% | 6% |
| League Two | 14 | 3.00 | 4.10 | −15% | 14% | 7% |
| EFL Trophy | 7 | 2.00 | 3.35 | −14% | 0% | 14% |
| Premier League 2 Division One | 6 | 3.33 | 4.07 | −7% | 50% | 33% |
| 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. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Thu 1 Jan | Exeter City – LutonLeague One | 1:0 | 4 | 26 | 0 |
| Mon 29 Dec | Gillingham – ColchesterLeague Two | 1:1 | 2 | 36 | 1 |
| Sat 20 Dec | Rotherham – HuddersfieldLeague One | 1:3 | 3 | 28 | 0 |
| Sat 6 Dec | Grimsby – WealdstoneFA Cup | 4:0 | 1 | — | 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 2.93 cards per game in 67 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 −22% – 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 10% of matches and over 3.5 cards in 36%. Both teams were booked in 73%.
Does Matthew Russell give many penalties?
A penalty was awarded in 18% of matches refereed by Matthew Russell.
Which match will Matthew Russell referee next?
AFC Bournemouth U21 – Stoke City U21 (Premier League 2 Division One) on 21.09.2026. Card probabilities for this match are shown above.