Ruebyn Ricardo will take charge of a Birmingham City game this weekend for the first time since he oversaw the ill-tempered 3-2 defeat to Hull City last October.
Ricardo has been appointed referee for Blues’ season opener at Swansea City in the Carabao Cup, with Jacob Lehane and Matthew Sowerby assisting him, and Jacob Miles acting as fourth official.
It will be the first time Ricardo has refereed a Blues game since last October when he dished out 10 yellow cards and sent off Jack Robinson in a fiery clash at St Andrew’s against Hull.
Fixture Background
A furious fracas ensued after two heavy challenges shortly before half-time – one from either side – and resulted in Ricardo booking Blues striker Jay Stansfield and Hull’s Joe Gelhardt, plus Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic and Blues coach Tom Huddlestone.
Blues were fined £115,000 for their part in the incident and third choice goalkeeper Brad Mayo was later charged after it was alleged he 'acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the match official/s around the tunnel area after the final whistle.'
Robinson's Dismissal
The major talking point from the game, however, was Robinson’s sending off. The experienced defender was booked by Ricardo just before the hour mark only to see his yellow card swiftly upgraded to a red.
Robinson was dismissed for foul and abusive language and served a three-match ban.
Ricardo's Record
Ricardo oversaw 29 games in total last season, with the vast majority of his appearances coming in the Championship, and dished out 137 yellow cards and five reds.
