Arsenal vs Man Utd: Referee Banned from Officiating Both Teams
The upcoming match between Arsenal and Manchester United is generating significant interest, especially with Craig Pawson officiating the game. This Premier League clash will take place at the Emirates Stadium on January 29, 2026. The match is particularly notable because Pawson is prohibited from overseeing matches involving teams from Sheffield, specifically his beloved Sheffield United.
Referee Craig Pawson: A Brief Background
Craig Pawson, aged 46, has been officiating in the Premier League since 2013. He has gained recognition as one of the league’s most reliable referees. His experience extends beyond regular league games; he has also been involved in high-stakes matches, including:
- Championship play-off finals
- FA Cup semi-finals
- Champions League and Europa League fixtures
Despite his extensive experience, Pawson is bound by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) regulations which prevent him from officiating matches involving clubs he supports. This means he will never referee a game including Sheffield United or Sheffield Wednesday, addressing potential conflicts of interest.
Current Form of Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield United experienced a challenging 2023/24 season, finishing with just 16 points and suffering relegation. Currently, they are positioned 17th in the Championship. Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday is battling to avoid relegation to League One due to financial troubles that have resulted in multiple points deductions.
Referee Regulations and Transparency
Following complaints regarding possible conflicts of interest, the PGMOL has implemented stricter guidelines. These regulations require referees and their close family members to declare any affiliations with specific clubs. This change aims to enhance transparency and maintain integrity within officiating.
Pawson’s Recent Matches
This season, Craig Pawson has officiated 15 matches, including:
- 12 in the Premier League
- 2 in the Carabao Cup
- 1 in the Championship
Pawson has issued a total of 36 yellow cards, averaging 2.4 per match, along with just two red cards. His last Arsenal match was a contentious 2-2 draw against Sunderland, while he previously refereed Manchester United in a 3-1 loss to Brentford.
Teams’ Current Situation
As Arsenal prepares for this pivotal match, manager Mikel Arteta is hopeful about the return of players Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie from injury. Calafiori has been out for the last eight matches, while Hincapie last played in a goalless draw against Liverpool on January 8.
On the other hand, Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined due to injury. However, they have welcomed back Noussair Mazraoui from the Africa Cup of Nations, and youngster Shea Lacey is also available following a suspension.
As match day approaches, the excitement surrounding this classic rivalry continues to build, with fans eagerly anticipating the tactical battles that await.
