EnglandMatches analysed: 662023–2026Michael Barlow: referee stats
Michael Barlow (England) has shown 3.18 cards per game in 66 analysed matches — −17% compared with the average of the same leagues. Profile: very lenient.
Very lenient · −17%Upcoming matches with Michael Barlow
Referee radar
Percentile among 2955 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)
Michael Barlow by competition
| Competition | Matches | Cards/g | League avg | vs league | Penalty | Red card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 National League | 25 | 3.68 | 4.07 | −7% | 4% | 12% |
| League Two | 20 | 3.25 | 4.11 | −14% | 10% | 10% |
| Premier League 2 Division One | 11 | 2.91 | 4.12 | −15% | 18% | 9% |
| League One | 4 | 3.25 | 3.86 | −4% | 0% | 0% |
| EFL Trophy | 4 | 1.75 | 3.38 | −12% | 0% | 0% |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1.00 | 2.78 | −4% | 0% | 0% |
| National League Cup | 1 | 0.00 | 2.34 | −5% | 0% | 0% |
Last matches refereed by Michael Barlow
| Date | Match | Score | Cards (home–away) | Fouls | Pen. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 12 Sept | Arsenal U21 – Chelsea U21Premier League 2 Division One | 1:4 | 3 | — | 1 |
| Tue 1 Sept | Accrington ST – GrimsbyLeague Two | 2:2 | 5 | 19 | 1 |
| Sat 22 Aug | AFC Wimbledon – ReadingLeague One | 0:0 | 5 | 28 | 0 |
| Sat 8 Aug | Scunthorpe – Yeovil TownNational League | 1:1 | 3 | — | 0 |
| Sat 25 Apr | Bristol Rovers – CheltenhamLeague Two | 4:0 | 6 | 25 | 0 |
| Sat 28 Mar | Swindon Town – Fleetwood TownLeague Two | 1:1 | 7 | 25 | 0 |
| Tue 24 Mar | Doncaster – Port ValeLeague One | 1:0 | 3 | 26 | 0 |
| Sat 14 Mar | Cambridge United – GillinghamLeague Two | 5:0 | 3 | 26 | 0 |
| Mon 9 Mar | Birmingham City U21 – Chelsea U21Premier League 2 Division One | 1:4 | 4 | — | 0 |
| Tue 24 Feb | Accrington ST – BarnetLeague Two | 0:1 | 1 | 18 | 0 |
| Sat 7 Feb | Notts County – BarrowLeague Two | 2:1 | 4 | 25 | 0 |
| Fri 19 Dec | Crewe – Bristol RoversLeague Two | 1:1 | 6 | 30 | 0 |
| Sat 13 Dec | Cheltenham – Harrogate TownLeague Two | 1:1 | 3 | 25 | 1 |
| Sat 29 Nov | Walsall – BromleyLeague Two | 3:1 | 4 | 25 | 0 |
| Tue 4 Nov | Grimsby – Everton U21EFL Trophy | 5:3 | 2 | 22 | 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 Michael Barlow give per game?
On average 3.18 cards per game in 66 analysed matches (league average in the same competitions: 3.99).
Is Michael Barlow a strict referee?
Compared with the leagues where Michael Barlow officiates, the card count is −17% – profile: very lenient. A red card appeared in 9% of these matches.
How often do matches with Michael Barlow go over 4.5 cards?
Over 4.5 cards in 29% of matches and over 3.5 cards in 38%. Both teams were booked in 64%.
Does Michael Barlow give many penalties?
A penalty was awarded in 8% of matches refereed by Michael Barlow.