Key moments
Peter Bankes has been appointed as the referee for the Carabao Cup final, which will take place on March 22, 2026, at Wembley Stadium. This match will feature Arsenal and Manchester City, two of the top teams in English football, vying for the first major piece of silverware of the season.
Bankes has a notable history with both clubs. He has officiated 14 matches involving Arsenal, where the team has achieved 10 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses under his supervision. In contrast, he has officiated 12 matches for Manchester City, resulting in 6 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses. This track record may influence the dynamics of the final.
However, it is important to note that Bankes has never officiated a match involving Liverpool or Everton, as he is banned from officiating games for those clubs due to his association with the Liverpool Football Association. This ban has allowed him to be eligible for the Carabao Cup final following Liverpool’s elimination from the tournament by Crystal Palace in the fourth round.
In terms of disciplinary actions, Bankes has not issued a red card or penalty in any of the 14 matches he has officiated for Arsenal, which may suggest a lenient approach when officiating their games. Conversely, he has issued one red card in the 12 matches involving Manchester City, indicating a slightly different officiating style when handling City’s matches.
The final will also see the implementation of VAR, with John Brooks serving as the video assistant referee. This addition aims to ensure that critical decisions are accurately reviewed, potentially impacting the flow and outcome of the match.
During the current 2025/26 season, Bankes has officiated 22 Premier League matches, awarding 6 penalties and issuing 4 red cards. This experience may play a crucial role in his performance during the high-stakes environment of the Carabao Cup final.
As the date approaches, reactions from fans and analysts are expected to emerge, particularly regarding Bankes’ officiating style and how it may affect the match. The appointment of Bankes as the referee has already sparked discussions among supporters of both clubs, who are keen to see how his past performances might influence the outcome of this important fixture.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further officiating assignments for Bankes following the final, but his role in this match is set to be a focal point in the lead-up to the event.
