Paul Tierney Appointed for Millwall vs West Ham Derby

West Ham United’s Championship derby against Millwall will be overseen by Premier League referee Paul Tierney.

The Hammers make the short trip to The Den on Saturday for their first competitive meeting with Millwall since February 2012.

With the rivalry returning after more than 14 years, the EFL has turned to one of the country’s most experienced officials for the 12.30pm BST kick-off.

Tierney’s appointment adds another layer of intrigue to a fixture carrying considerable importance for Nuno Espírito Santo’s Championship leaders.

Paul Tierney appointed for Millwall vs West Ham

West Ham officially confirmed Tierney’s appointment ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated encounter.

The official has considerable Premier League experience and has also continued taking charge of selected Championship fixtures.

That experience could prove valuable at The Den.

The previous league meeting between these clubs in February 2012 produced five yellow cards and a red, with Kevin Nolan dismissed inside the opening ten minutes.

Saturday therefore presents Tierney with one of the most high-profile assignments of the Championship weekend.

His numbers are also worth noting.

Tierney has averaged around 3.6 cards per Championship fixture, according to Sporting Life, while his previous ten matches at this level have included games containing seven and six cards.

Discipline could therefore become another important factor for Nuno’s players.

West Ham prepare for long-awaited Millwall return

The Hammers enter the derby having seen their Carabao Cup campaign ended by Fulham on Tuesday.

Attention has now switched entirely towards Millwall and protecting West Ham’s strong Championship position.

Supporters unable to attend The Den can watch Millwall against West Ham live on ITV1 and ITVX, with the fixture also being broadcast by Sky Sports.

There have already been developments surrounding both squads.

West Ham continue to monitor Joël Veltman’s fitness before the derby, while Millwall have suffered their own setback with Romain Esse expected to miss the encounter.

Tierney’s appointment now completes another important part of the build-up.

With West Ham and Millwall finally meeting again after more than a decade apart, the experienced referee will be tasked with keeping control of what promises to be an intense afternoon at The Den.