Premier League appoint Peter Bankes for Leeds vs Man City after derby scrutiny | OneFootball

Peter Bankes will referee Leeds United’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City at Elland Road on Saturday, the Premier League confirmed. The appointment comes days after scrutiny over a disallowed Tottenham goal in the north London derby that Arsenal won 4-1.

Leeds approach arguably their toughest test of the run-in after a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, where Anton Stach’s free-kick was cancelled out late by Tammy Abraham. City arrive on a fine run following Saturday’s 2-1 win over Newcastle, their fifth straight in all competitions. Victory would move City within two points of leaders Arsenal, while any result for Leeds would aid their survival bid.

Eddie Smart and Blake Antrobus will be Bankes’ assistants. Oli Langford is fourth official and Paul Howard will oversee VAR.

Bankes has officiated 19 Premier League matches this season, averaging 22.58 fouls and 3.95 yellow cards per game, placing him slightly on the stricter side among his colleagues.

He has already taken charge of three Leeds fixtures, including November’s reverse at the Etihad. At Elland Road he oversaw the 0-0 draw with Newcastle in August and this month’s 3-1 win against Nottingham Forest.

At Tottenham on Sunday, Bankes ruled out a Randal Kolo Muani finish at 2-1 for a foul on Gabriel, with replays showing contact on the defender’s back before a theatrical fall. Spurs supporters were left aggrieved and incoming manager Igor Tudor gestured on the touchline, and Bankes now takes charge of City’s visit to West Yorkshire.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk