The Carabao Cup final referee, Peter Bankes, has been barred from officiating matches involving Liverpool. This decision arises from his affiliation with the Liverpool Football Association. Bankes has never officiated a game featuring either Liverpool or their city rivals, Everton.
Peter Bankes and the Carabao Cup Final
Peter Bankes will referee the Carabao Cup final, held at Wembley. The match features Arsenal facing Manchester City. He will be supported by Neil Davies and Steve Meredith, with Marc Perry as a reserve assistant referee. Tom Bramall will act as the fourth official.
Restrictions on Officiating Liverpool Matches
Bankes cannot officiate Liverpool matches due to his ties with the Liverpool FA. Premier League referees are required to disclose their supported teams. This rule prevents referees from overseeing matches involving those teams or clubs from their local area.
- Bankes has officiated 14 matches for Arsenal, with 10 wins, one draw, and three losses.
- He recorded 12 matches for Manchester City, resulting in six wins, one draw, and five defeats.
- He has never issued a red card or penalty in any Arsenal match.
Background Information
Before officiating the Carabao Cup final, Bankes was promoted to the Premier League’s ‘A’ List of elite officials for the 2019/20 season. His notable performance included overseeing Arsenal’s significant 5-1 victory against Manchester City last season.
This season, both Liverpool and Everton were eliminated from the Carabao Cup early. Liverpool’s campaign ended in the fourth round against Crystal Palace, while Everton was knocked out by Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round.
While Bankes will not be in charge of any Liverpool matches, the implementation of VAR technology during the final ensures accurate officiating. John Brooks will serve as the video assistant referee for the match.
