Referee Madley returns for first big six game since 2024 for Liverpool clash
Andy Madley will take charge of Arsenal's trip to Anfield on Sunday, his first Premier League big six fixture in two and a half years, as the Gunners look to reclaim top spot from Manchester City having lost their place at the summit earlier this month.
Madley, now in his eighth season as a Premier League official, last refereed a big six encounter back in March 2024, when Manchester City beat Manchester United 3-1. He went on to take charge of that year's FA Cup Final, making his appointment to this weekend's fixture something of a surprise, as reported by football.london.
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Sunday's match will only be the sixth occasion Madley has refereed an Arsenal game in the top flight, with the most recent coming in March, a 2-0 win over Everton. Arsenal have won two and lost one of their previous five matches under his charge. Liverpool, by contrast, have seen plenty more of him, with Madley having overseen 17 of their Premier League fixtures, winning 9 of those, including the 7-0 demolition of Manchester United in 2023.
Both sides arrive at Anfield off the back of Carabao Cup exits. Mikel Arteta's side were knocked out on penalties by League Two side Fleetwood Town, while Andoni Iraola's Liverpool needed spot kicks of their own to see off Chelsea in midweek.
History of controversy
Madley has been involved in several contentious incidents involving Arsenal down the years. He was the referee for a 0-0 draw with Newcastle United in January 2023 that saw the Gunners fined for failing to control their players.
Deep into stoppage time, Granit Xhaka broke free on the byline and attempted to deliver a cross that appeared to strike Newcastle midfielder Jacob Murphy, who had slid in to block it. Madley judged Murphy's arm to be in a natural position, a decision VAR backed, and waved away Arsenal's penalty appeals.
Arteta paced the touchline in protest as his players surrounded the officials, resulting in bookings for dissent. The FA subsequently charged Arsenal with a breach of FA Rule E20.1, stating: “Arsenal FC has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 following its Premier League match against Newcastle United FC on Tuesday 3 January 2023. It is alleged that Arsenal FC failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 95th minute, and the club has until Tuesday 10 January 2023 to respond.”
No action was taken against Arteta himself despite fourth official Jarred Gillet repeatedly urging him to calm down, a decision that raised some eyebrows at the time. Arteta's continued protests that night also drew a response from then Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who felt his conduct had crossed a line.
Arsenal will be hoping for a cleaner afternoon on Merseyside as they look to return to the top of the Premier League table.
