'How is he qualified?': Oft-criticised figure set to take charge of Portsmouth’s Championship showdown with Hull City
Pompey make a timely return to Fratton Park this weekend after three-successive away days.
Pompey make a timely return to home soil this Saturday as they welcome play-off hopefuls Hull City at Fratton Park.
The Blues’ gruelling Championship schedule continues following trips to Charlton Athletic, Millwall and Wrexham, which saw them crucially pick up six points out of a possible nine.
The fight for survival intensifies, with John Mousinho’s men five points clear of the relegation zone and currently sit 19th at present.
Another tough test awaits this weekend, though, with the high-flying Tigers poised to make the long trip to the south coast.
Controversial figure to take charge of Pompey v Hull City
Indeed, Sam Allison has been confirmed as the man in the middle at Fratton on Saturday afternoon after the EFL announced the refereeing appointments for this weekend’s fixtures.
It’s a contest which could have huge implications at both ends of the table, with Hull City currently occupying a play-off position, while Pompey remain in the relegation picture.
The official, who is now in his sixth season taking charge of Football League contests, has a mixed history with the Blues.
Allison was at the centre of a tirade by former head coach Danny Cowley after his side’s EFL Trophy fixture against Crawley Town in August 2022. The ex-Blues boss branded the 45-year-old’s showing as ‘one of the worst displays of refereeing that I have seen’, after controversially awarding two penalties in the 2-2 draw.
Sam Allison’s mixed Pompey history
Since then, the official has taken charge of eight Pompey fixtures, dishing out 41 yellow cards and brandishing one sending off.
Allison was the man in the middle at PO4 for a 3-0 defeat to Bristol City in late November, with his display coming under the spotlight from the Fratton faithful after the failure to book Robins defender Ross McCrorie after a number of fouls on the likes of Josh Murphy and Callum Lang.
Both sets of supporters questioned the ref’s showing on social media that day, with the Pompey fans irate over his display.
@LChinery7: My favourite pastime on a Saturday afternoon has now become watching Sam Allison attempt to referee. It's a rollercoaster every week, and 9 times out of 10, it's diabolical.
@JoePaice92: Sam Allison the worst EFL ref ever. How is he qualified.
@bericszn: Of course when we need a win we get stuck being reffed by Sam Allison.
@samjeffersmacey: Sam Allison is the worst ref in the EFL.
@Bogstertron: Sam Allison gone full Sam Allison…!!! #Pompey
@JoePaice92: Sam Allison pure corruption. PGMOL and the EFL corrupt. Ross McCorie should of been sent off if we’re being serious here.
@ThairGavin: Ask if he is making a complaint against Sam Allison. Awful referee.
@NewmanHay: The lack of consistency from Sam Allison is outrageous. I will accept the bookings for Pompey but Ross McCrorie should be on one as well.
@Ev3rSteel: Why does Sam Allison hate Pompey?
Recent criticism
Allison came under fire earlier this season during a WSL game between Aston Villa and London City Lioness’.
The official controversially blew his whistle for half-time despite Georgia Mullett running through on goal for Villa before the break. He also come under stick for being trigger happy with his whistle and was the centre of boos from the Villa Park crowd at full-time.
Allison will be joined by assistants Andrew Fox and Nigel Lugg at Fratton Park, with John Busby joining as the fourth official.