FA Appoints Peter Bankes to Officiate Arsenal vs Manchester City Carabao Cup Final

The The Football Association has confirmed the list of match officials who will take charge of the highly anticipated Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal F.C. and Manchester City F.C..

The final is scheduled to take place on March 22 at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

Referee Peter Bankes will lead the officiating team for the encounter. He will be assisted by assistant referees Neil Davies and Steve Meredith.

Tom Bramall has been appointed as the fourth official, while Marc Perry will serve as the reserve assistant referee.

For the Video Assistant Referee system, John Brooks will operate as VAR, with Dan Robathan assisting him.

The announcement comes as both Arsenal and Manchester City prepare for what promises to be a fiercely contested final between two of England’s most competitive teams this season.

Opinion: The Pressure on Referees in Modern Football

While players and managers often dominate the headlines ahead of major finals, match officials also face enormous pressure. A single decision can influence the outcome of a trophy-deciding match.

With experienced referees like Peter Bankes in charge and the support of the VAR system, the FA appears determined to ensure the final is handled with professionalism and fairness.

However, football fans know that even with technology, refereeing decisions can still spark debate. In high-stakes games like the Carabao Cup final, maintaining control, fairness, and consistency will be just as important as the quality of football on the pitch. ⚽