Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United will be refereed by Rob Jones, the Premier League has confirmed in its opening round of appointments. Daniel Farke’s side begin their 2026/27 campaign at the City Ground at 3pm on Saturday, and Jones — one of the top flight’s more card-happy officials last season — takes the middle, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Jones will be assisted by Nick Greenhalgh and Alistair Nelson, with Gavin Ward as fourth official and Craig Pawson on VAR duties.
What Rob Jones means for Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
Jones took charge of 18 Premier League matches last season, averaging 21.06 fouls and 4.17 yellow cards per game — a stricter return than most of his regular top-flight colleagues. Two of those 18 involved Leeds, and the Whites won neither: a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa in November and a 2-2 draw at Chelsea in February.
That reading matters more than usual this weekend. Forest boss Oliver Glasner has already warned his squad about the physical, set-piece threat Leeds carry, and a referee who reaches for his pocket 4.17 times a game will not let a scrappy opener drift.
Both teams arrive in good order. Farke’s side won four of six friendlies, signing off with a 4-0 thumping of Augsburg, while Forest beat Bayer Leverkusen and Brest in the space of a week. The Leeds manager, though, has been careful to temper the mood around Elland Road.
“Everyone is talking of Europe and trophies but it’s important we stay humble and grounded,” Farke told the Guardian. “The second year after promotion can be difficult and dangerous but we are hopeful we can have a good season.”
Kick-off at the City Ground is 3pm on Saturday.
