Full List of Premier League Referees ‘Banned’ From Taking Charge of Certain Clubs

Full List of Premier League Referees ‘Banned’ From Taking Charge of Certain Clubs

Premier League

The teams certain Premier League referees are banned from taking charge of.

Michael Oliver is free to referee at Arsenal despite recent abuse, but can’t take charge at Newcastle or Sunderland.

Australian Jarredd Gillet is also banned from Merseyside due to supporting Liverpool.

Being a Premier League official is undoubtedly one of the toughest jobs in football. Standing in the centre circle for matches broadcast worldwide, fully aware that you’re likely the most disliked person on the pitch and prepared to face abuse from all sides, is not a role for the faint-hearted.

However, beneath the uniform, referees are human, with emotions and personal biases that could influence their decisions. Given that they must be as impartial as possible when they step onto the field, some referees are even banned from officiating games involving certain teams. This can be due to personal allegiances, the region they come from, or other factors. Below are the officials who are prohibited from taking charge of matches involving certain clubs, along with the reasons behind these restrictions.

Michael Oliver

Clubs he can’t referee: Newcastle and Sunderland

Probably the most famous referee in English football today, Michael Oliver has the biggest target on his back from fans due to his high profile, with the scrutiny surrounding his decisions as intense as anyone’s. This was evident in the wake of the abuse he faced after sending Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly off during the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Wolves in January 2025.

Despite his strong track record, where his decisions have often unfavourable to Mikel Arteta’s side, Oliver has not been banned from officiating games involving the north London outfit. However, the 39-year-old cannot take charge of Newcastle matches due to his personal allegiances. Oliver grew up in Ashington, just 20 miles from St James’ Park, and as a supporter of the Magpies, he is also prohibited from refereeing games involving Sunderland.

Michael Oliver’s Record vs Arsenal Compared to Premier League Teams

Clubs he can’t referee: Everton and Liverpool

The only foreign official to ever take charge of a Premier League game, there’s no doubt that Jarred Gillet’s birthplace will never impact his ability to officiate in the English top flight – unless, of course, an Australian team is miraculously granted entry into the competition.

That said, Gillet grew up watching Premier League football and supporting one team in particular – current leaders Liverpool. As a result, the Australian has never officiated a game at Anfield in his 52 Premier League matches to date, nor has he been involved as a VAR official in any capacity, despite his 65-game experience in that role. The same applies to Everton, which is unsurprising given the fierce rivalry between the two sides.