KEITH Stroud has been appointed to take charge of Cherries’ trip to Blackburn at the weekend.

Whilst referees can be controversial figures at the best of times, there has been large outcry on social media – as Stroud was born in Bournemouth.

However, he is able to ref Cherries’ fixtures as he is listed as a Luton fan.

A referee’s birthplace rarely precludes them from officiating fixtures, with Mike Dean, born in Wirral, taking charge of the Merseyside derby on three occasions – thanks to his declared allegiances to Tranmere Rovers.

Stroud earned his referring stripes in the Wessex League, before working his way up the pyramid.

There is further conspiracy due to the fact that Cherries have a near perfect record with Stroud as the man in the middle.

Out of the 13 times Stroud has taken charge of Cherries, the Dorset side have won 12 games.

That run came to end the last time Stroud whistled a Cherries’ fixture, with the 52-year-old in charge as the south coast club lost 2-0 at West Brom earlier this month.

Nottingham Forest fans also complained that he was appointed to take charge of their clash with Fulham on Tuesday, even though it was Fulham who ended up feeling more aggrieved by Stroud’s performance.

Bournemouth Echo: Fulham players surround Stroud (Pic: PA Images)Fulham players surround Stroud (Pic: PA Images)

Further complaints stem from the fact that Stroud's supported club, Luton, are also in play-off contention. Blackburn need to win both their remaining games to overhaul the Hatters, but some Rovers fans believe that there is a conflict of interest due to Stroud's loyalties to the Bedfordshire club.