Sunderland handed referee for Stoke City FA Cup clash who has already awarded a penalty in 2025

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Sunderland can take a break from league action this weekend with an FA Cup tie against Stoke City on the horizon, and they now know who will referee the game.

It’s been a great start to 2025 for Sunderland, with two wins from two Championship games so far, including a crucial victory over promotion rivals Sheffield United.

Now, the Black Cats turn their attention to the cup, and the upcoming tie presents Regis Le Bris with a great opportunity to play around with his Sunderland lineup against Stoke.

While Le Bris may experiment with youngsters in the FA Cup, his Sunderland players may have to be wary of the referee for the game, as he likes to hand out a card or two.

• READ MORE: Patrick Roberts shares Regis Le Bris’ key demand of Sunderland players, he will not allow one thing

Elliot Bell to referee FA Cup third round tie for Sunderland

As per information from The FA, the referee list for this weekend’s third round ties in the FA Cup has been revealed, and Sunderland’s game against Stoke City at the Stadium of Light will be officiated by Elliot Bell.

Bell’s assistant referee’s will be Nigel Lugg and Conor Brown, while the fourth official will be Simon Mather.

There will be no VAR team for the cup tie.

Elliot Bell’s referee record explained

Bell has officiated 14 games so far this season, with eight in League Two, five in League One, and one in the Women’s Super League.

His last match, a League Two clash between Bradford City and Grimsby Town, saw Bell award a penalty to the home side that proved decisive in a 3-1 win for the Bantams.

Since April 1, 2024, Bell has given four penalties in 16 games, but has handed out just two red cards. He’s given 58 yellow cards so far this season.

With a rate of 4.14 yellow cards per game this term, the Sunderland squad will have to be on their best behaviour on Saturday so as not to get themselves in Bell’s bad books.