Mr. Walton needs little introduction to Watford fans, many of whom will remember his erratic performance during the opening day defeat to Everton at
The Northampton based official gave a number of baffling decisions on that wet afternoon on Merseyside, none more so than the penalty he awarded to the home side after 82 minutes for a handball against Watford's Chris Powell, when Tim Cahill's cross had appeared to have hit the former Charlton Athletic defender on the forehead, later confirmed by television replays.
Mr. Walton has gone on to referee a further seven Premiership matches during the current campaign, including one involving opponents Aston Villa versus
The 47-year-old referee allowed a strike just before half time by Middlesbrough's Malcolm Christie to stand even though he looked a couple of yards offside, and although Gareth Barry equalised almost immediately via the penalty spot the home side could not force a victory.
Mr. Walton began his career in 1986, progressing to the Football League Assistant Referee's list in 1993, where he enjoyed one season before being promoted to a Premiership League Assistant Referee (1994).
Progression saw the merry whistle blower join FIFA as an Assistant Referee in 1996, and in the same season he was one of the assistants in the FA Cup Final before officiating in the Euro ‘96 Championships.
Joining the Football League as a referee in 1998, Mr. Walton took charge of the 2003 LDV Trophy Final before joining the Select Group later the same year.
Mr. Walton will be joined by Mr. R. Pollock and Mr. D. Richardson as his assistants at
For a detailed head-to-head between the two sides, please click here.