Foy replaces Jones for top-two clash
- adamhigginsuk
- Mar 29, 2014
- 2 min read
Under fire: Foy has fallen foul of criticism for recent displays but has taken over from Mike Jones as the Championship's top two go head to head (Picture by Zimbio.com)
CHRIS Foy has been drafted in as a late replacement for Mike Jones to referee the crucial top-two Championship clash between Burnley and Leicester.
Cheshire-based Jones has pulled out of taking charge of the lunchtime kick-off, live on Sky Sports, at Turf Moor through an unspecified injury.
Foy has been withdrawn from fourth official duties at the Hawthorns, where West Bromwich Albion meet Cardiff in the Premier League.
Second-placed Burnley can dislodge leaders Leicester at the top with a two-goal victory.
At the age of 51, Foy is one of the most experienced officials in the Football League and has been part of the Select Group since 2001.
The Merseyside whistler was heavily criticised for his performance in Aston Villa's 1-0 win over Chelsea a fortnight ago, sending off Chelsea midfielders Willian and Ramires before ordering boss Jose Mourinho to the stands late on.
Mourinho even claimed on Friday that he would blame the official's controversial display if the Blues do not win the title in May.
Last weekend, Foy awarded a debatable penalty to Hull in their 2-0 win over West Brom and waved away the Baggies' appeals for a spotkick in the second period.
Overall he has handed out 77 yellow cards and six red cards in 28 games in all competitions this term, with five of the dismissals coming in the top-flight.
It will be the first time Foy, from St Helens, will be in charge of a Burnley match since their 2-1 defeat to Lancashire rivals Bolton in February 2013.
The Clarets, ten points clear of third-placed QPR, are unbeaten at home in the league for over a year and are chasing a sixth win in seven games.
The Foxes, boasting an 18-game unbeaten run, have not lost on the road since December and could move six points clear of Sean Dyche's men with a first win in three.
A low-key performance from Foy will be required in a contest that could prove critical with both sides vying for promotion.
Last updated: 29 March 2014 11:45am
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