A ‘strong referee’ is needed in Charlton’s fixture with Portsmouth on Saturday according to Lee Bowyer.

With Pompey sitting one place above The Addicks in fourth, the Charlton manager feels that Roger East who’s been given the responsibility to officiate the crucial fixture, will need to be on the ball.

In the reverse fixture at Fratton Park, Charlton came out 2-1 victors but it was not without controversy as Ben Thompson was shown a straight red card that was later rescinded.

“There’s a lot at stake,” said Bowyer.

“There’ll be two sets of players putting their body on the line to win the game.

“It’ll be competitive so hopefully we have a referee that can control the situation because the atmosphere will be bouncing.

“There’s going to be tackles, decisions to be made, so we need a strong referee like we did at Portsmouth.”

East, who has not officiated a Charlton match this season, has taken charge of matches in each division over the last eight months including Premiership ties.

Only on one occasion has he not gone to his pocket and produced six yellow cards when he took charge of Portsmouth’s win at Peterborough earlier in the season.

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‘It’ll be rocking!’

Speaking of the atmosphere at The Valley, Bowyer has often praised the Charlton fans for their support both home and away, but with Portsmouth’s visit this weekend the Charlton boss expects it to go up a level.

“It’s a massive game and there’ll be a great atmosphere.

“Like it or not, the players are entertainers, it’s like a theatre to them.

“It’s going to be on the tv and the place is going to be rocking.

“That’s why we play the game.”

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