Where to Watch Sky Sports Ref Watch: Premier League Officiating Analysis
British football fans can catch Sky Sports Ref Watch analysing the weekend's biggest decisions on Monday 28 April 2025 at 11:00 UK time, simulcast on Sky Sports News HD and Sky Sports Premier League HD. The show features presenter Rob Wotton, former England international Sue Smith, and ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher breaking down contentious moments like Chris Richards' red card against Bournemouth and Leif Davis' challenge on Bukayo Saka from recent weeks.
Meet the Ref Watch Team
Rob Wotton: Sky Sports' Veteran Presenter
Rob Wotton has been the face of Sky Sports' breaking news coverage for over 15 years, having joined in 2009 after stints at BBC Radio 5 Live and ITV. Specialising in live updates and post-match interviews, Wotton's authoritative style makes him the ideal host for technical discussions about officiating.
Sue Smith: England Lioness Turned Analyst
Former England winger Sue Smith brings 93 international caps to her analysis, having played in two World Cups (2007, 2011) and three European Championships. Since retiring in 2016, the two-time FA Cup winner with Lincoln Ladies has become a regular on Sky's women's football coverage and Ref Watch panels.
Dermot Gallagher: Premier League Refereeing Legend
Dermot Gallagher boasts one of English football's most extensive officiating careers, refereeing 315 Premier League matches between 1992-2007 including the 1999 FA Cup Final. His forensic breakdowns of VAR decisions and law interpretations have made him Sky's go-to referee analyst for over a decade.
What to Expect on April 28's Ref Watch
The team will likely analyse incidents from key Premier League fixtures like Newcastle vs Aston Villa and Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth, building on recent discussions about:
- Double yellow card thresholds following Chris Richards' dismissal
- Consistency in handball interpretations
- VAR's role in subjective foul decisions
Recent shows have featured frame-by-frame breakdowns of challenges similar to Leif Davis' tackle on Bukayo Saka, which Gallagher described as "not malicious" but potentially reckless under current guidelines.
How to Stream Ref Watch
Viewers can watch live through:
- Sky Go app for subscribers
- NOW TV Daily Pass (£11.98)
- Virgin Media channel 501 (Sky Sports News HD)
For international viewers, Premier League rights holders like international broadcast partners occasionally carry Ref Watch segments.
The Evolution of Officiating Analysis
Shows like Ref Watch reflect growing fan interest in officiating nuances, particularly since VAR's 2019 introduction. Gallagher's ability to explain complex laws in plain English—honed through his work with BBC Sport and Sky's VAR specials—helps demystify controversial decisions for supporters.
As Premier League teams battle for European qualification and relegation survival in the 2024/25 run-in, Gallagher's insights into how referees interpret high-pressure moments could prove crucial for fans understanding pivotal match outcomes.
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