Referee Banned from Officiating Arsenal vs Man Utd Games
The upcoming clash between Arsenal and Manchester United is scheduled for January 29, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium. This Premier League match has caught the attention of fans, particularly due to referee Craig Pawson, who has been banned from officiating games featuring teams from Sheffield.
Craig Pawson: Career Overview
Craig Pawson, 46, has been part of the Premier League officiating team since 2013. He has established a reputation for reliability and has managed numerous significant games, including:
- Championship play-off finals
- FA Cup semi-finals
- Champions League fixtures
- Europa League matches
However, due to regulations from Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), he is barred from refereeing matches involving his favorite teams, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday. This policy is designed to prevent any conflicts of interest.
Current Situation of Sheffield Clubs
This season has been challenging for Sheffield United, who ended with merely 16 points, resulting in their relegation. They currently occupy the 17th position in the Championship. Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday is facing serious financial challenges, causing several points deductions, which threaten their Championship status.
Referee Regulations and Integrity
In response to potential conflicts of interest, the PGMOL has implemented stricter regulations. Referees and their families are now required to disclose any ties to specific clubs. This move aims to improve transparency in officiating.
Craig Pawson’s Recent Officiating Performance
This season, Pawson has overseen 15 matches, comprising:
- 12 in the Premier League
- 2 in the Carabao Cup
- 1 in the Championship
During these games, he has issued 36 yellow cards and two red cards, averaging 2.4 yellow cards per match. His last match officiating Arsenal resulted in a 2-2 draw against Sunderland, while he refed Manchester United during their 3-1 defeat to Brentford.
Team Updates Ahead of the Arsenal vs Manchester United Match
As the match approaches, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hopeful for the return of players Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie from injury. Calafiori has been out for the last eight games, while Hincapie last played on January 8, 2026, in a goalless draw against Liverpool.
For Manchester United, defender Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined due to injury, while Noussair Mazraoui has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations. Youngster Shea Lacey will also be eligible to play after serving a suspension.
Both teams and their supporters are eagerly anticipating this historic rivalry, hoping for an exhilarating match.
