Carabao Cup Final Referee: Peter Bankes to Officiate Match at Wembley
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In a significant development for the upcoming Carabao Cup final, Peter Bankes has been appointed as the referee for the match between Arsenal and Manchester City, scheduled for March 22, 2026, at Wembley Stadium. This decision comes after Liverpool’s elimination from the tournament, which allowed Bankes to officiate this high-stakes encounter.
Peter Bankes has a notable history with both teams. He has officiated 14 matches involving Arsenal, resulting in 10 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses for the Gunners. In contrast, his record with Manchester City includes 12 matches, where the team has secured 6 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses. Notably, Bankes has not issued a red card or penalty in any of his 14 matches officiated for Arsenal, while he has issued one red card in the 12 matches involving Manchester City.
Bankes’ officiating career has seen him banned from officiating matches involving Liverpool and Everton, due to his association with the Liverpool Football Association. This ban means he has never officiated a match involving either team, which adds an interesting layer to his appointment for the final. His experience in the Premier League this season includes 22 matches, where he awarded 6 penalties and issued 4 red cards.
The Carabao Cup final is the first major piece of silverware on offer this season, making it a crucial match for both Arsenal and Manchester City. Arsenal will be looking to capitalize on their strong record under Bankes, while Manchester City will aim to improve their performance in matches officiated by him.
VAR will be in operation for the final, with John Brooks serving as the video assistant referee. This technology aims to assist Bankes in making critical decisions during the match, ensuring that the game is officiated fairly and accurately.
As the date approaches, reactions from both clubs and their supporters are expected to intensify. Arsenal fans will be hopeful that Bankes’ previous officiating history will favor their team, while Manchester City supporters will be looking for a turnaround in their fortunes under his watch.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional officiating staff or potential changes leading up to the final. However, the appointment of Bankes has already sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike, as they consider the implications of his officiating style on the match.
With the Carabao Cup final just around the corner, all eyes will be on Wembley Stadium as Arsenal and Manchester City vie for the coveted trophy, with Peter Bankes at the center of it all.