Mr Atkinson has officiated a Champions league game this season and his last duty was at the Riverside last weekend when Bolton beat Middlesbrough. He was the referee for the classic 4 - 4 draw between Arsenal and Spurs a few weeks ago.
His last Cardiff City game was the 0 - 0 draw at home to West Brom last season.
It's been quite a rise for Martin Atkinson. Just over 5 years ago he was doing Conference football.
So far this season he's issued 38 yellow and 2 red cards (both in the same match) in 14 games.