Premier League have banned THREE referees from Everton and Liverpool matches

Premier League have banned THREE referees from Everton and Liverpool matchesThe Premier League has prohibited three referees from taking charge of Sunday's Merseyside derby between Everton and LiverpoolCommentsSportHarry Brent Senior Sports Writer06:00, 18 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesThree Premier League referees are not allowed to officiate Everton vs Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)Three Premier League referees will be unavailable for Everton vs Liverpool this Sunday due to conflict-of-interest rules. Under league regulations, officials must declare any club affiliations to the PGMOL, ensuring they are not assigned to matches involving teams they support or have strong local ties to.‌This policy is designed to preserve impartiality in high-profile fixtures. As a result, Peter Bankes, Rob Jones and Jarred Gillett will not be eligible to take charge of the game at Goodison Park.‌Bankes hails from Merseyside, Jones is from the Wirral and Gillett is a declared Liverpool supporter, ruling all three out of contention for this weekend's Merseyside derby. Instead, Chris Kavanagh - from Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester and a supporter of non-league Droylsden - will be the man in the middle.‌Liverpool head into the tie looking to bounce back after being dumped out of the Champions League by PSG in midweek. A 2-0 defeat to the European champions at Anfield on Tuesday sealed a humbling 4-0 aggregate loss, effectively confirming a trophyless season for Arne Slot's team.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook pageREAD MORE: Liverpool 'move ahead of Man Utd' in transfer race for Premier League starREAD MORE: Hugo Ekitike supported by former team as Liverpool star's injury pain clearTheir focus now shifts to securing qualification for next season's Champions League. Liverpool currently sit fifth in the Premier League and with five English clubs set to qualify, their task is to hold off the chasing pack.‌One...