The upcoming match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium will be officiated by experienced referee Craig Pawson. As a seasoned official, Pawson has a wealth of experience, having overseen Premier League games since 2013.
Referee Banned from Officiating Arsenal vs Man Utd
Pawson, aged 46, is known for his integrity and professionalism on the field. However, he is prohibited from officiating matches involving teams he supports, specifically Sheffield United. This policy aims to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest for referees.
Background on Craig Pawson
- Pawson has officiated in various high-stakes matches, including Championship play-off finals and FA Cup semi-finals.
- He has also refereed in prestigious tournaments like the Champions League and the Europa League.
Due to his allegiance to Sheffield United, he has declared his support to the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited). As a consequence, he cannot be assigned to matches involving Sheffield United or their local rivals, such as Sheffield Wednesday.
Referee Statistics for the Season
This season, Pawson has refereed 15 matches, breaking down as follows:
| Competition | Matches Officiated |
|---|---|
| Premier League | 12 |
| Carabao Cup | 2 |
| Championship | 1 |
He is noted for issuing 36 yellow cards this season, averaging 2.4 per game, alongside just two red cards. His last Arsenal game was a 2-2 draw against Sunderland in November, while his last Manchester United match was a 3-1 defeat to Brentford in September.
Player Updates Ahead of the Match
As Arsenal prepares for the clash, they hope to welcome back players Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie. Calafiori has been sidelined for eight matches, while Hincapie last played in a goalless draw against Liverpool on January 8.
In contrast, United will not see the return of Matthijs de Ligt, who remains out with an injury. However, Noussair Mazraoui is back from the Africa Cup of Nations, and Shea Lacey is available following a suspension.
As the match approaches, both clubs are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting encounter, with tactical adjustments and player fitness under close observation.
