Peter Bankes has been confirmed as the referee for the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City.
The Premier League official would not be permitted to oversee the match had Liverpool been participating. He is also unable to officiate Everton games.
Why Bankes Can’t Referee Merseyside Clubs
Bankes’ county FA is the Liverpool Football Association. He has never taken charge of a match involving either Liverpool or Everton, be that in the Premier League or in any other major competition.
Premier League referees are obliged to declare which sides they support, enabling the league to guarantee they don’t oversee that side or any fixtures, which can directly impact that side. Sides from their local area or assigned FA are also ruled out, irrespective of whether they support that side.
This clarifies why Bankes is unable to officiate matches involving either Merseyside club. His local FA publicly congratulated him when he was promoted to the Premier League’s ‘A’ List of elite officials for the 2019/20 campaign.
The Refereeing Team for the Final
Neil Davies and Steve Meredith will assist Bankes for the final at Wembley. Marc Perry has been designated as a reserve assistant referee. Tom Bramall is the fourth official.
VAR will be in operation for the final at Wembley. John Brooks has been appointed as the video assistant referee, with Dan Robathan as his assistant.
Bankes’ Record with Arsenal and Manchester City
Bankes has overseen 14 Arsenal fixtures throughout his career, including the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea. The Gunners have secured victory in 10 of those encounters, with one draw and three losses.
Manchester City have recorded six victories, one draw and five defeats with Bankes as referee. One of those losses was their 5-1 thrashing by Arsenal last season.
- Bankes hasn’t issued a single red card or penalty in his 14 Arsenal fixtures.
- There was just one dismissal in his 12 City matches.
- John Stones was sent off when Pep Guardiola’s side defeated Aston Villa back in 2021.
Liverpool and Everton both saw their Carabao Cup runs finish long before the final this season. Arne Slot saw a weakened side eliminated by Crystal Palace in the fourth round, while Everton were knocked out one round earlier after a 2-0 reverse away to Wolves.