Referee Barred from Officiating Arsenal vs Man Utd Matches
The upcoming match between Arsenal and Manchester United is set for January 29, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium. This Premier League encounter has drawn attention due to the controversy surrounding referee Craig Pawson, who is prohibited from officiating matches involving Sheffield teams.
Craig Pawson’s Officiating Background
Craig Pawson, 46, joined the Premier League officiating team in 2013. He is known for his reliability and has been in charge of many high-stakes matches, including:
- Championship play-off finals
- FA Cup semi-finals
- Champions League fixtures
- Europa League matches
Barred from Officiating Matches with Sheffield Teams
Under the regulations of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), Pawson is banned from refereeing games involving Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday. This rule is designed to prevent conflicts of interest, especially since Pawson is a supporter of these clubs.
Current Status of Sheffield Clubs
This season has been tough for Sheffield United, who finished with just 16 points, leading to their relegation. They now sit 17th in the Championship. Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday faces significant financial issues, which have resulted in multiple points deductions, putting their Championship status at risk.
Regulations to Ensure Integrity
In response to potential conflicts of interest, the PGMOL has implemented stricter regulations for referees. They and their families must disclose any affiliations with specific clubs to enhance transparency in officiating.
Craig Pawson’s Recent Performance
So far this season, Pawson has officiated 15 matches, which includes:
- 12 in the Premier League
- 2 in the Carabao Cup
- 1 in the Championship
During these games, he has issued a total of 36 yellow cards and two red cards, averaging 2.4 yellow cards per match. His last match with Arsenal ended in a 2-2 draw against Sunderland, while he officiated Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat against Brentford.
Team Updates for Arsenal vs. Manchester United
As the match approaches, Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta is optimistic about the return of injured players Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie. Calafiori has missed the last eight games, while Hincapie last played on January 8, 2026, in a goalless draw against Liverpool. On the other hand, Manchester United’s defender Matthijs de Ligt is still out due to injury, but Noussair Mazraoui has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations. Additionally, young talent Shea Lacey is available after completing a suspension.
Both teams, along with their supporters, are eagerly anticipating this historic clash, hoping for a thrilling match at the Emirates Stadium.
