Atkinson to officiate Real Madrid clash

Martin Atkinson is to lead an English refereeing delegation for Tuesday evening’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid at Juventus Stadium.

The 44-year-old will officiate his third European fixture involving the Bianconeri, with the club’s record under his tutelage currently standing at one victory and a draw.

While previously presiding over a 2-2 Champions League stalemate with BATE Borisov in 2008, Atkinson, who hails from Bradford, also took charge of November’s 3-2 Group A success over Olympiacos.

He’ll be supported in Turin by assistant referees Michael Mullarkey and Stephen Child, goal-line officials Anthony Taylor and Andre Marriner and fourth official Peter Kirkup.