Burnley will be looking to claim a rare home win when they return to action against Brighton this weekend.
[placeholder image
Read More
The contract status of every Burnley player as Clarets near decision time](https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/the-contract-status-of-every-burnley-player-as-clarets-near-decision-time-6526855 "The contract status of every Burnley player as Clarets near decision time")
It will be Burnley’s first game in three weeks, having enjoyed a rare three-week break due to a combination of the international break and the FA Cup quarter finals.
But without a home win in 175 days, and with only one league win to their name in their last 22 games, Scott Parker’s side will be desperate to record the three points.
Having been beaten at Fulham before the break, the Clarets now find themselves 10 points adrift of safety with only seven games remaining.
As for Brighton, they sit 10th in the table and are well in contention for European qualification, having beaten Liverpool 2-1 in their last encounter.
Who is the referee for Burnley v Brighton?
Tom Bramall.
Bramall showed a controversial red cards to Leeds defender Gabriel Gudmundsson during his last game (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Bramall showed a controversial red cards to Leeds defender Gabriel Gudmundsson during his last game (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
He’s overseen 26 games so far this season, dishing out 103 yellow cards and four reds.
The vast majority of his fixtures have come in the Premier League, with a handful of Championship and cup games sprinkled in.
Bramall was recently branded a “home team referee” by ex-Tottenham boss Igor Tudor after allowing Fulham’s opening goal to stand during their 2-1 win at Craven Cottage in March.
He also came under scrutiny before the international break after overseeing a number of controversies during the 0-0 draw between Crystal Palace and Leeds United.
Gabriel Gudmundsson was sent off for two bookable offences, with the second yellow looking particularly soft.
Gudmundsson and Ismaila Sarr collided on the halfway line with Bramall quick to brandish a yellow, seemingly forgetting he’d already booked the Swede. The experienced Premier League referee had to be reminded by Palace players and fourth official Paul Tierney.
Bramall then failed to show a second yellow card to Palace wing-back Brennan Johnson when he brought down James Justin to stop a counter-attack.
His performance led to criticism from Leeds boss Daniel Farke, who said: "I'm not sure there are really words needed, everyone in the stadium could see. It was not even close to a yellow card, there was no pace in the duel, it was not a tactical foul.”
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?
The only other Burnley game he’s taken charge of this season came back in September for the 1-1 home draw against Nottingham Forest.
Bramall handed out two yellow cards on the day, one for either team, with Florentino Luis being cautioned for the Clarets and Morato for the visitors.
Looking further back, he officiated two Burnley games during the Vincent Kompany season in the top flight: the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park in September 2023 and the 1-1 home draw against Wolves in April 2024.
Who is on VAR duty?
Peter Bankes, assisted by Akil Howson.
Bankes recently took charge of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup final triumph over Arsenal, a game in which passed without any major controversy.
Despite being born in Lancashire, Bankes is affiliated to the Liverpool Football Association. As a result, the 43-year-old cannot officiate games involving Liverpool nor Everton.
Constantine Hatzidakis and Marc Perry will run the line, while Rob Jones is fourth official.
Continue Reading