The dressing room for officials is located at the end of the tunnel in St Mary’s Stadium, and an hour after the match ended in a 1-1 draw, there were no interruptions at the door. Neither Russell Martin nor Michael Carrick, the managers of the teams involved, felt the need to seek explanations or express frustrations. A cordial exchange with the refereeing team sufficed, indicating a smooth and controversy-free day.
Matt Donohue, the 35-year-old referee, expressed satisfaction with the proceedings, a sentiment echoed by assistants Lee Venamore and Matthew Smith. Donohue mentioned their aim to positively influence the game without expecting accolades from players and staff. Reflecting on the match, Donohue stated, “We’ve tried to be a positive influence on the game today. We don’t expect pats on the back from players and staff but you get a gut feeling when it’s been a good afternoon.”
The Athletic was provided exclusive access to Donohue and his officiating team for over 24 hours, observing their meticulous preparations, protocols, and management of a crucial Championship fixture in front of 30,000 fans.
This glimpse offers insight into the life of a professional referee.
The Night Before
Donohue has a tradition of dining at the best Italian restaurants near each of the 24 Championship grounds, consuming pasta as a pre-game ritual. The night before the match, the team found a suitable restaurant close to their hotel on the outskirts of Eastleigh, near Southampton. Friday nights typically involve staying at hotels, with Donohue being one of the 22 full-time Select Group 2 (SG2) referees overseen by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Pre-match Preparations
On match day, Donohue and his team engage in various preparations, including testing goal-line technology and communication systems. The equipment, including whistles, cards, and flags, is organized in Donohue’s bag. The team undergoes a structured warm-up and receives a safety briefing from a home club official to address potential risks during the game.
The Game and the ‘Buzz’
During the match, Donohue officiates a relatively straightforward game between Southampton and Middlesbrough, where key decisions such as penalties and offsides play a crucial role. Donohue’s fitness is tested as he covers nearly 10km during the game. The team’s performance is evaluated based on key match incidents (KMIs), with a focus on maintaining control and making accurate decisions.
The Aftermath and Analysis
Following the game, Donohue and his team depart the stadium without receiving visits from the managers. The officials leave amidst autograph hunters, signifying a successful day. Post-match analysis involves reviewing the game and receiving feedback from clubs, contributing to continuous improvement. Donohue and his colleagues face a packed schedule with multiple games in a short span, emphasizing the demanding nature of their profession.