Rob Styles Refs Bolton Wanderers Game

Last updated : 02 February 2007 By Gary Holmes

The vastly experienced 42-year-old has taken charge of 18 top flight fixtures this season, the last being the recent blockbusting fixture between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday 20 January 2007, sending off three players and booking 60 to date.

Two of those yellow cards were for the Golden Boys' Gavin Mahon and Malkay Mackay during Watford's battling 1-1 draw against Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium back in September; both for unsporting behaviour in a game that saw Hameur Bouazza net a stunning second half free-kick to secure a well deserved point for Aidy Boothroyd's men.

Coincidentally Mr, Styles has also presided over just one game involving opponents Bolton Wanderers this season, a four goal drubbing at the hands of Manchester United (sounds familiar) at the Reebok Stadium at the end of October (Wayne Rooney notched a hat-trick), during which Kevin Davies and Tal Ben-Haim collected bookings, also for unsporting behaviour.

Mr. Styles began refereeing in 1987 and progressed to the national list of referees in 1996 before further progression saw him promoted to the Premier League list in 2000 and the FIFA International List two years later.

The Hampshire official has presided over many high profile matches, most notably the 2005 FA Cup Final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium involving Arsenal and Manchester United, in which the Gunners just managed to emerge victorious, 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw.

For a detailed head-to-head between the two sides, click here.