The loyalties of Premier League referees have been thrust into the spotlight following a contentious statement from Nottingham Forest after their defeat to Everton.

In the wake of their 2-0 loss at Goodison Park, Forest launched a blistering critique, hinting at concerns over Stuart Atwell, the designated VAR, and his alleged support for relegation rivals Luton. As the debate rages on, with the league and FA anticipated to charge the club with misconduct, questions about refereeing appointments continue to linger.

This season has seen 27 referees, including six outside of the PGMOL Select group, officiate a Premier League match. Here's what we know about which clubs these officials support, where they hail from, and which teams they're prohibited from overseeing, reports the Daily Star (via the Mirror).

Sam Allison - Chippenham, Wiltshire: A ref who was actually a former footballer following spells at Bournemouth, Bristol City, Exeter and Swindon. An EFL regular, he has taken charge of two Premier League games this season, with neither involving Bournemouth.

Stuart Attwell - Warwickshire: The man at the centre of last weekend's controversy due to his alleged allegiance to Luton.

Peter Bankes - Liverpool: It's unclear who he supports but he is not involved in Liverpool or Everton matches.

Samuel Barrott - West Riding, Yorkshire: It's unclear where his allegiances lie.

Darren Bond - Wigan: A supporter of his hometown club, currently in League One, Bond isn't involved in matches involving Liverpool and Everton.

Thomas Bramall - Sheffield: Naturally, he doesn't officiate matches involving either team in the Steel City.

John Brooks - Melton Mowbray: Due to locality, does not take charge of Leicester City matches.

David Coote - Nottingham: A Notts County fan who doesn't officiate Forest fixtures.

Darren England - Barnsley: A Barnsley fan who has previously worked for the club.

Sunny Singh Gill - West London: The first British Asian to referee a Premier League game. Has no known issues with clubs.

Jarred Gillett - Queensland, Australia: A Liverpool fan who therefore doesn't take charge of matches involving the Merseyside giants.

Tony Harrington - Hartlepool: A fan of fifth-tier Pools with his grandad playing for the club.

Simon Hooper - Swindon: A Swindon fan who was released by the Wiltshire club at the age of 16.

Rob Jones - the Wirral, Merseyside: Kept away from matches involving Liverpool and Everton.

Chris Kavanagh - Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester: A fan of non-league Droylsden.

Andrew Madley - Huddersfield: The Terriers fan played for the club's youth team.

Robert Madley - Huddersfield: Another Huddersfield Town fan.

Michael Oliver - Ashington, Northumberland: The Newcastle fan is kept away from Magpies and Sunderland matches.

Craig Pawson - Sheffield: A Sheffield United fan who does not referee either team in the Steel City.

Tim Robinson - Middleton-on-Sea, West Sussex: One of the few who has taken charge of every team in the top-flight.

Michael Salisbury - Higher Penwortham, Lancashire: Isn't involved in Liverpool or Everton games, although it is unclear who he supports.

Graham Scott - Oxford: The Swindon Town supporter is believed to be free to take charge of any Premier League side.

Josh Smith - Peterborough: Has not officiated a game involving his hometown club in League One. Has no known issues with top-flight clubs.

Lewis Smith - Wigan: The sixth ref outside PGMOL's Select group to take charge of a Premier League game this season.

Anthony Taylor - Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester: One of the game's most recognisable officials is a fan of non-league Altrincham.

Paul Tierney - Wigan: Another supporter of hometown club Wigan.

Rebecca Welch - Washington, Tyne and Wear: The first woman to referee a top-flight game is yet to take charge of Newcastle or Sunderland, and that will probably remain the case.

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