Premier League Bans Three Referees from Sunday’s Crucial Everton vs. Liverpool Derby

The Premier League has barred three referees from officiating the upcoming Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool on Sunday. This decision is rooted in the league’s conflict-of-interest regulations, which require officials to disclose any affiliations with clubs to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). The aim is to maintain impartiality in matches involving teams with which referees may have strong ties.

Referees Ineligible for the Match

Peter Bankes, Rob Jones, and Jarred Gillett will not be eligible to oversee the match at Goodison Park. Bankes is from Merseyside, Jones hails from the Wirral, and Gillett has publicly identified as a Liverpool supporter. Consequently, their local connections disqualify them from officiating this high-stakes encounter. Chris Kavanagh, a referee from Ashton-under-Lyne and a supporter of non-league club Droylsden, has been appointed to officiate the match instead.

Liverpool’s Recent Form

Liverpool enters this derby seeking to rebound after a disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League. The team faced Paris Saint-Germain midweek, suffering a 2-0 defeat at Anfield, which resulted in a 4-0 aggregate loss in the knockout stage. This outcome effectively confirms a trophyless season for manager Arne Slot’s squad.

Everton’s Pursuit of European Qualification

Everton, currently positioned eighth in the Premier League, trails Liverpool by five points. Under the management of David Moyes, the team has demonstrated strong form, winning three of their last five league matches, including a notable 3-0 victory over Chelsea. A win against Liverpool would narrow the gap between the two teams to just two points and potentially elevate Everton to sixth place, bolstering their aspirations for European competition.

Historical Context of the Rivalry

In recent years, Liverpool has dominated the Merseyside derby, winning six of the last nine encounters. The last meeting at Anfield in September concluded with a 2-1 victory for Liverpool, where goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike overshadowed Idrissa Gueye’s consolation goal for Everton. Everton’s only derby win in the past five years occurred in April 2024, a 2-0 triumph that marked Jurgen Klopp’s final Merseyside derby as Liverpool’s manager.

Stakes for Both Teams

As the match approaches, Liverpool aims to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League, while Everton seeks to capitalize on this rare opportunity to close the gap on their rivals. The outcome of this derby could have significant implications for both teams’ ambitions in the league.

As reported by www.mirror.co.uk.

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Published on 2026-04-18 09:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk