Meet The Ref - Blackpool v Latics

Latics are heading off on a trip to the seaside on Saturday, facing Blackpool at Bloomfield Road in what is a very important fixture for both clubs, the referee for the game will be Hampshire based official, Matthew Russell.

Matt Russell is in his 2^nd season on the National List, he graduated from the National League South in 2019, and served a four year apprenticeship in the National League before plying his trade in the EFL.

 Previous Games

This will be the Matt Russell’s second Wigan Athletic game having been in charge our 1:1 home draw with, ironically enough, Saturday’s opponents, Blackpool, last season in late April.

In that game Russell booked both Callum McManaman and former Latics’ player Lee Evans who had a little coming together, Russell also awarded Blackpool a penalty which Evans scored from to cancel out John Mellish’s first half opener.

Matt Russell’s Latics Game

Date	Competition	Result	Latics Cards
26 Apr 2026	League One	Latics 1:1 Blackpool	1Y

 

 

Matt Russell Card Watch 2025/26

Games – 23

Yellows – 64

Reds – 4

Penalty Awards – 4

Blackpool v Wigan Athletic
Referee – Matt Russell
Assistants – Danny Jarvis and Paul Stonier
Fourth Official – Dan Robinbson

Grab a listen to the latest PWU Latics podcast featuring a preview of the Blackpool game