Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres both scored twice for Arsenal as the Gunners beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in the North London derby. Following this, Mikel Arteta’s side has now moved five points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
The game was under referee Peter Bankes, who oversaw Arsenal vs Spurs, and is vastly experienced and the perfect pick for such a high-stakes fixture. Despite this, the 43-year-old is banned from officiating two Premier League sides. Which are those clubs, and why can't he oversee? Let us find out the reason.
Tottenham vs Arsenal referee banned from officiating these TWO Premier League clubs
Bankes has been in charge of a match involving Liverpool and Everton; his County FA is the Liverpool Football Association, and in line with Premier League rules. It is not known if Bankes supports either of Merseyside's two big games, but his affiliation to the Liverpool FA means he cannot referee them regardless.
The referees in the league must declare their favourite teams or the clubs that they support. Following this, they are not allowed to officiate any of the games involving those clubs.
Additionally, they are generally avoided for clubs in their immediate local area, even if they are not fans of them, as well as clubs associated with their County FA. Bankes has been recognised by FIFA since 2021has been in charge of 18 games in the league this season, and none of those were Liverpool and Everton.