Referees are often regarded as the most underrated characters in football, but the Premier League referees are different in this regard. As the football league is very challenging, the referees also face a lot of tough situations where their perseverance is tested. Keeping control of a Premier League match is very challenging, but some of the referees have managed to do so accurately over the years.
From Anthony Taylor to Mike Dean, from Howard Webb to Mark Clattenburg, these match officials have cemented their names in the category of best referees in Premier League. They have not only controlled the high-profile matches, but also have kept the elite players in line time and again. Having said that, let’s take a look at the top 10 greatest referees in Premier League history. The list has been prepared on the basis of longevity, legacy and achievements.
Selection Criteria
Decision Accuracy: A referee’s ability to make correct and rational on-field decisions for major incidents like penalties, freekicks, fouls, or offside calls is very critical.
Control and Game Management: It is very difficult to control and manage player behavior and the pace of the game to prevent escalation is vital.
Physical Fitness: The game has evolved so much over period of time that a fit referee can make clear and concise decisions on-field thanks to his fitness.
10 Best Referees in the Premier League History Ranked
10. Mike Riley (1996-2009)
One of the iconic characters in football, Mike Riley is one of the greatest referees in the Premier League. Not only did he officiate for 13 long seasons in the English top flight, but also built a legacy in European football. Riley has officiated in 285 Premier League games during his time.
Many football fans still remember his name due to his presence in Arsenal’s famous 2-0 win over Chelsea in the FA Cup final showdown in 2002. Riley was a crucial part of the Irish refereeing committee and became the president of PGMOL, an organization for professional match officials.
| Active Years | 13 Years |
| Matches | 444 Matches |
| International Tournaments | UEFA Euro 2004 |
9. Martin Atkinson (2005-2022)
Martin Atkinson was one of the most respected yet controversial referees in the history of the Premier League. He had a unique style of refereeing which made him a reliable figure in English football. He spent 17 years as a Premier League referee and stood in 462 games.
He had his own way of controlling agitated players which made him a trusted referee at European stage. He was handed the match officiating job in 2015 Europa League final, a feat he himself has mentioned several times while talking about his illustrious career. His most controversial match was the 2011 FA Cup final between Manchester City and Stoke City.
| Active Years | 14 Years |
| Matches | 737 Matches |
| International Tournaments | UEFA Euro 2012, UEFA Euro 2016 |
8. Mark Halsey (1999-2013)
Mark Halsey is arguably the most respected referee in Premier League history. In an eventful career that spanned over 13 years, the English referee was regarded as one of the best with the whistle.
Starting his career in a high-octane match between Coventry City and Wimbledon, Halsey went on to officiate in 279 Premier League matches before he announced his retirement in 2013. There is a popular belief that many fans attended league games just to see him. Hasley also overcame cancer in 2009.
| Active Years | 14 Years |
| Matches | 279 Matches |
| International Tournaments | N/A |
7. Graham Poll (1993-2007)
If you talk about brave referees, then Graham Poll is the first name that will come to your mind. Composure, strong personality and outspoken behavior made him one of the most favorite yet hated match officials in the Premier League. Apart from his controversial World Cup campaign in Germany, he enjoyed a successful career in football.
Poll took charge of 330 Premier League games in 14 years, and was part of many controversial games which raised the eyebrows of the fans.
| Active Years | 14 Years |
| Matches | 330 Matches |
| International Tournaments | UEFA Euro 2000, FIFA World Cup 2002 & 2006 |
6. Andre Marriner (2005-2023)
Andre Marriner is our sixth pick on the list of the best referees in the Premier League. If you search for the most memorable moments in the English top flight, then you will find Marriner officiating in many of those matches. Questionable calls, heated on-field arguments with star players and a series of sending-offs, all these were integral parts of his career. In his 18-year stay as a Premier League referee, Marriner rattled plenty of players and managers in 390 games.
| Active Years | 18 Years |
| Matches | 390 Matches |
| International Tournaments | N/A |
5. Michael Oliver (present)
Michael Oliver is one of the current best Premier League referees. Making his debut as a match official in the English top division, he became the youngest referee in the history of the competition. He has been a standout figure amongst the league referees due to his calmness and consistency. Oliver has earned a lot of respect from the players and the fans in England after he has successfully officiated many high-profile matches.
However, with his youthful yet stern character, the Premier League referee fell in the middle of a huge controversy after he sent Gianluigi Buffon in the UEFA Champions League quarter final between Real Madrid and Juventus. He has officiated 377 Premier games so far.
| Active Years | 2003 – Present |
| Matches | 377+ Matches |
| International Tournaments | FIFA World Cup 2022 |
4. Anthony Taylor (present)
Anthony Taylor, a name that will remain forever in the history book of football. He is most probably the current best Premier League referee. A former prison officer, Taylor knows the art of controlling a game with calmness, great personality and respect.
He is also considered the most trusted referee in UEFA as the current Premier League referee has officiated several top tournaments like Europa League and Nations League finals. He was praised for his quick presence of mind during Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest at Euro. Anthony Taylor has officiated in more than 373 games in the English top flight.
| Active Years | 18+ Years |
| Matches | 373 Matches |
| International Tournaments | N/A |
3. Howard Webb (2003-2014)
Howard Webb is a legendary figure in football. He is regarded as one of the most celebrated referees in Premier League history, courtesy of his energetic presence on turf. In his 11 years of refereeing career in England, Webb produced plenty of funny moments which often came under the spotlight.
He officiated in 296 matches in the English top flight. The Manchester United admirer made history when he officiated both the FIFA World Cup final and Champions League final in 2010. The legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson once called him ‘’the greatest manager in the country.”
| Active Years | 11 Years |
| Matches | 296 Matches |
| International Tournaments | UEFA Euro 2008 & 2012 and FIFA World Cup 2010 & 2014 |
2. Mike Dean (2000-2022)
The second on the list of the greatest referees in the Premier League is Mike Dean, the showman. He holds the record of the longest-serving match official in the English top flight for his 22 years of service. There was a time when the league management used to put their blind trust in him in high-profile matches because of his pressure-handling power.
His funny run, eye contact with players and respectful behaviors on the field made him the center of attraction on many occasions. Over the course of 561 games, Dean handed out a whopping 113 red cards.
| Active Years | 22 Years |
| Matches | 561 Matches |
| International Tournaments |
1. Mark Clattenburg (2004-2017)
Thirteen years, a rich legacy and plenty of iconic moments, this is how Mark Clattenburg is remembered as the best referee in the Premier League. His player-handling style, strong character and charismatic presence made him a celebrity figure in the English top flight. Making his refereeing debut in 2004, he quickly rose in the ranks of the international match officials.
He took charge of 297 Premier League games in 13 years, and made some tough decisions in tight situations, earning unwavering support and respect in the stadiums. In 2016, he was awarded the best referee title.
| Active Years | 13 Years |
| Matches | 297 Matches |
| International Tournaments | UEFA Euro 2008 & 2016, Olympic Games 2012 |
FAQs
Q. Who is the best referee in the Premier League currently?
A. Anthony Taylor is the best referee in the Premier League currently.
Q. Who is the most iconic football referee?
A. Mark Clattenburg is arguably the most iconic football referee.
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