Barclays Premiership
Birmingham City v Middlesbrough
26th December 2004 at 15:30
Man In The Middle
The Orpington based official has not taken charge of a Blues fixture so far this season.
Steve Bennett did however take charge of two of Blues' Premier League games last season the last of which was in the 2-1 home win against Southampton on 10th January 2004. No Blues players were booked on that occasion although midfielder David Prutton was sent off for the visitors whilst Rory Delap picked up a yellow card.
Prior to the Saints fixture Mr Bennett had taken charge of Blues 2-0 home win against Portsmouth on 27th September 2003. The now departed Aliou Cisse was the only Blues player booked that day.
Steve Bennett has refereed two Middlesbrough fixtures already this season, the last of which was in their 2-0 home win against Liverpool on 20th November. Boro's George Boateng, Gareth Southgate and Boudewijn Zenden were all shown yellow cards on that occasion.
Mr Bennett was also the referee in charge of Boro's first game of the season against Newcastle United at The Riverside when George Boateng, Ugo Ehiogu and Ray Parlour were all cautioned for the home side.
In total Steve Bennett has taken charge of 11 Premier League games so far this season. He has handed out 35 yellow cards and 2 reds in these fixtures.
Mr J Holbrook and Mr D G Kellett will be Steve Bennett's assistants for the Boxing Day clash at St Andrew's.
For a detailed head-to-head between the two sides, click here