Burnley will be hoping to prolong their Premier League survival battle when they make the trip to Nottingham Forest tomorrow.
[placeholder image
Read More
Scott Parker makes blunt Burnley relegation admission after latest defeat](https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/scott-parker-makes-blunt-burnley-relegation-admission-after-latest-defeat-6571432 "Scott Parker makes blunt Burnley relegation admission after latest defeat")
The loss, coming after a rare three-week break, also meant Scott Parker’s side have won just one of their last 23 league games.
This Sunday, the Clarets face a Forest side that have relegation troubles of their own, sitting just above that dreaded dropzone.
Who is the referee for Forest v Burnley?
Thomas Kirk.
He’s overseen 31 games so far this season, dishing out 136 yellow cards – at an average of 4.3 per game – and four reds.
Kirk's Premier League debut came at Turf Moor in December 2025 (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)placeholder image
Kirk's Premier League debut came at Turf Moor in December 2025 (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
The vast majority of his games have come in the Championship this season, although he did make his Premier League debut back in December – and at Turf Moor too for the 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.
Since then, he’s overseen a further three top flight games, showing two red cards to Everton players during their 1-1 draw with Wolves, before dismissing Ladislav Krejčí during Wolves’ 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
His last Premier League assignment came last month during Brighton’s 1-0 win at Sunderland.
Kirk, who has been refereeing for 16 years having begun his career at the age of 17, only made it into the EFL in 2022 but has quickly progressed through the leagues since then.
The Burnley Express has launched a new WhatsApp channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our Burnley Express WhatsApp channel.
What history does he have with Burnley?
Kirk’s Premier League debut at Turf Moor back in December was his one and only previous game involving the Clarets.
He didn’t book a single player that day, as Daniel Munoz’s header secured a 1-0 victory for the Eagles.
Who is on VAR duty?
Michael Salisbury, assisted by Eddie Smart.
Salisbury was briefly dropped from VAR duties earlier this season following an error during Fulham’s defeat at Chelsea.
Josh King’s ‘goal’ for Fulham was wrongly ruled out for a foul from Rodrigo Muniz during the build-up and Salisbury was the man who sent Rob Jones to the monitor.
Marc Perry and Simon Long will run the line, while David Webb is fourth official.
Continue Reading