Stuart Attwell will referee an Arsenal fixture for the first time in almost two years this weekend, following the controversy surrounding his last Gunners game.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Referee Stuart Attwell checks the VAR screen for a red card for Mason Holgate of Sheffield United (not pictured), which was later given during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on February 18, 2024. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images
The Premier League have confirmed their match official appointments for this weekend’s round of fixtures, and Stuart Attwell is set to referee the match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.
Attwell will be assisted by Constantine Hatzidakis and Nick Hopton, with Craig Pawson as the fourth official. Liverpool fan Jarred Gillett will be on VAR, with Ian Hussin as the assistant VAR.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal is shown a yellow card by Referee Stuart Attwell during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
It’s been a while since Attwell has refereed an Arsenal game, and perhaps for good reason. The controversy surrounding his last Gunners match was substantial, and perhaps one of the biggest furores involving Arsenal and refereeing in recent history – which is saying something.
For anyone unaware, Attwell’s last match refereeing Arsenal was away to Newcastle United in November 2023.
There were multiple controversial incidents, including one in Arsenal’s favour, a yellow card for Kai Havertz that perhaps could have been red.
But the majority went against the Gunners, with Bruno Guimaraes avoiding a sending-off (or even a yellow card) for an elbow to the back of Jorginho’s head, before Newcastle’s winning goal stood despite three potential reasons to rule it out.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Newcastle player Joelinton and Arsenal defender Gabriel look on as Anthony Gordon fires home past David Raya for the Newcastle winning goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on November 04, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Mikel Arteta was furious after the match and made his feelings clear in a TV interview.
He was charged by the FA as they suggested his comments were insulting to match officials and/or detrimental to the game and/or brought the game into disrepute, but the charge was eventually dismissed over a month later as they failed to prove their allegations.
With all the media attention on the refereeing, the PGMOL didn’t appoint Attwell to an Arsenal game throughout 2024, nor 2025 up until now. But perhaps it’s felt that it’s been long enough, and the referee will take on a big game between the Gunners and City on Sunday.
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