Hull City vs Ipswich Town: Thomas Kirk appointed referee for Premier League clash

Thomas Kirk will be the man in the middle when Hull City host Ipswich Town in the Premier League, according to ipswichstar.co.uk. The Manchester-based official takes charge of his first Premier League game of the season, having overseen seven matches in all competitions this term.

  • Match: Hull City vs Ipswich Town, Premier League
  • Referee: Thomas Kirk (Manchester)
  • Assistant referees: Akil Howson and Andrew Dallison
  • Fourth official: Tony Harrington
  • VAR: Neil Davies; Assistant VAR: Nick Greenhalgh
  • Key fact: Kirk's first Premier League match of the season

Referee's record with Hull City

Thomas Kirk has overseen four Hull City fixtures previously. His last was Hull's 2-2 draw away at Leicester City in the Championship last season. In that game, he awarded Leicester a penalty, with current Ipswich star Abdul Fatawu winning the spot kick after being fouled in the box by Lewis Koumas.

Hull have won just once under Kirk, drawing one and losing the other two of the four matches he has refereed.

Referee's record with Ipswich Town

Kirk has officiated only five Ipswich Town games in total. His last was the 2-2 away draw with Southampton in the Championship at the end of last season, when Jack Clarke scored a late equaliser for Kieran McKenna's side at St Mary's Stadium to take their automatic promotion push to the final day.

The other four Ipswich games under Kirk are:

  • 3-3 draw away to Stoke City in March 2026 – Championship (awarded Stoke a penalty)
  • 3-1 defeat at Leicester City in December 2025 – Championship
  • 3-1 win over Norwich City in October 2025 – Championship
  • 2-1 at Morecambe in October 2022 – League One (awarded Town two penalties)

2026/27 season so far

Kirk has taken charge of seven games in all competitions this term. His last was Bradford City's 2-0 home win over Peterborough United in the Carabao Cup last 16 on Tuesday evening. In total, he has handed out 31 yellow cards and one red this season, but is yet to award a spot kick.

This will be his first Premier League match of the season.

What the appointment means for Hull City

Hull City will be hoping for a change in fortunes under Thomas Kirk, having won just one of the four matches he has refereed. The Tigers will need to be disciplined in the box, given Kirk's record of awarding penalties in Hull games – he gave Leicester a spot kick in their last meeting.

Kirk's card count this season – 31 yellows and one red – suggests he is not afraid to brandish cards, so Hull's players will need to manage their challenges carefully. With no penalties awarded by Kirk yet this season, both sides will be keen to avoid being the first to concede a spot kick.

The referee's familiarity with Ipswich Town – five games – compared to Hull City – four games – is marginal, but the Tigers will be looking to improve their record under him. A strong, disciplined performance will be key to getting a result.

Talking points

  • Thomas Kirk takes charge of his first Premier League game of the season, having refereed seven matches in all competitions so far.
  • Hull City have won just once in four games under Kirk, drawing one and losing two.
  • Kirk has awarded penalties in two of the four Hull games he has refereed, including a spot kick to Leicester in their last meeting.

What happens next

Hull City face Ipswich Town in the Premier League with Thomas Kirk as referee. The match will be played at the MKM Stadium. Following this fixture, Hull City will continue their Premier League campaign, with further details to be confirmed.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the referee for Hull City vs Ipswich Town?

Thomas Kirk will be the referee for the Premier League match between Hull City and Ipswich Town, according to ipswichstar.co.uk.

What is Hull City's record under Thomas Kirk?

Hull City have won one, drawn one and lost two of the four matches refereed by Thomas Kirk.

Has Thomas Kirk refereed Ipswich Town before?

Yes, Kirk has officiated five Ipswich Town games, the last being a 2-2 draw at Southampton in the Championship at the end of last season.

Filed under: Club News | LA Premier League Home