Dale’s home game versus Sutton United on Saturday will be refereed by RICHARD ASPINALL.

The Blackpool official will be refereeing his first National League fixture of the campaign, although he has seen action in the FA Cup, National League Cup and Premier League 2, as well as acting as fourth official in League One and League Two.

Promoted to the National League list for last season, Mr Aspinall refereed 14 matches at that level, including Dale’s 3-1 win at York on August Bank Holiday Monday.

Remarkably, that was the last league fixture in which Dale were awarded a penalty and just for good measure, they were awarded two that afternoon, both converted by Tyrese Sinclair!

Richard’s wife, Natalie Aspinall, is also involved in officiating. She is a Premier League and FIFA international assistant and ended last season on the line at the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final. Natalie also acts as a Premier League VAR.

Photo: Action Images via Reuters