b. 17-12-1964
Mike Riley is possibly our favourite referee, thanks to a certain day in Cardiff last year. In fact we have a great record with Mr Riley in charge over the past two seasons, he has officiated in six games, Boro winning five and drawing the other.
Prevoiusly he awarded the dodgy penalty at Old Trafford, when Ugo Eghigu made the slightest touch on Ruud van Nistlerooy, and the Dutchman went flying (no pun intended). He was also in charge when Arsenal thumped us 6-1 at the Riverside back in 1999.
He started refereeing in 1980 and was appointed to the national list in 1994. Recognition by the Premier League followed in 1996 and in 1999 he was appointed to the FIFA list.
To date the most important games of his career have been the 2002 FA Cup Final and, of course, the 2004 Carling Cup Final. He also has numerous European and international games under his belt.
Last season he officiated in 39 games, showing the yellow card on 117 occasions and the red card on 11. This season he has already booked 12 players and sent off 3, all in just 4 games.