Thomas Parsons has been appointed as the referee for Carlisle United's trip to Colchester United this weekend.

The official was involved in one of the more controversial contests involving the Blues in recent seasons.

Most notoriously, he was the man in the middle for Carlisle's 3-2 home defeat to Leyton Orient in October 2022.

Parsons came in for heavy criticism from the Blues and their fans over a string of decisions.

He dismissed Carlisle striker Ryan Edmondson for violent conduct while an Orient goal, which appeared offside, was given - and United were also denied strong penalty claims.

Parsons also took charge of United's 2-2 draw with Stockport County later that season and last season was in the middle for the Cumbrians' 2-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers.

In Essex on Saturday, Parsons' assistants will be Jonathon Block and David Harrison, with Marc Wilson the fourth official.

The referee has also been confirmed for United's Bristol Street Motors Trophy group game against Wigan Athletic next Tuesday.

Steven Copeland will be in charge of that game at Brunton Park, assisted by Matthew Sowerby and Paul Newhouse, and Steven Lawson the fourth official.

It will be Copeland's first game involving the Blues.