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Ref with recent comical Notts County history to take charge of Burnley cup tie Everything you need to know about Saturday’s referee Burnley begin their 2026/27 season in unusual fashion on Saturday with a cup tie, rather than the usual league affair. Newly-promoted League One outfit Notts County provide the competition as Nicky Hayen takes charge of his first competitive Clarets game. Burnley will be wary of suffering another upset in this Carabao Cup first round affair, having been dumped out of both cup competitions by third tier outfits under Scott Parker last season. Hayen will also be keen to start off on the right foot, registering a first win for Burnley since February when they came from behind to defeat Crystal Palace 3-2. Who is the referee for Burnley v Notts County? Thomas Parsons, from Rochdale. He took charge of 36 games last season, dishing out 119 yellow cards - at an average of 3.3 per game - and five reds. He was rewarded with the League Two play-off semi-final second leg between Saturday’s opponents Notts County and Chesterfield back in May, which ended 0-0. The goalless was enough to send Martin Paterson’s side through to the Wembley final 1-0 on aggregate. Parsons was unable to finish the game at Meadow Lane, however, hobbling off with an injury three minutes from time. Subscribe now for HALF PRICE and catch every minute of our Clarets coverage this season - from pre-season to the final whistle. Click here The Notts County fans added to the ref’s woes by aiming a humorous chant of “you’re not fit to referee” at him. He began officiating at National League North level in the 2017/18 season before earning promotion to the National League, where he gained valuable experience across several seasons. Parsons stepped up to the EFL from the 2022/23 season, taking charge of League Two and League One fixtures, before officiating his first two Championship fixtures back in April. In addition to his EFL duties, he has also gained experience officiating in the Women’s Super League and various cup competitions. None. This will be the first time he’s taken charge of a Burnley game. Matthew Moss and Anthony Moore will run the line, while Andrew Miller is fourth official.