Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal: Who is the referee? Premier League match officials confirmed

Arsenal's defence of their Premier League crown continues on Sunday afternoon when they visit Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

The Gunners sit three points behind leaders Manchester City after six matches. With City hosting newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday, Mikel Arteta's men will know that they'll likely need three points in the East Midlands to keep pace with their heated northern rivals.

That said, as shown by last Sunday's soul-destroying clash at Anfield, it's difficult to know if any of City's fixtures mean anything. The UAE-owned club are awaiting punishment after being found guilty of breaching financial regulations 114 times, and these sanctions could come into play this season.

Arsenal take on a team who have faced the brunt of the Premier League's authority in the past this weekend. Forest were deducted four points back in March 2024 for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.

The East Midlands outfit may well feel some resentment towards a club like Arsenal, who are being framed by the Premier League's middle class as a protector of the establishment, or a member of the 'red cartel'.

This could create a feisty environment inside the City Ground on Sunday. With that said, here’s a look at the Premier League’s pick for the match officials for Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal.

Who is the referee for Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal?

The Premier League have announced that Michael Oliver will be the referee in charge of Arsenal's match against Nottingham Forest.

Oliver officiated three of the Gunners' league matches last season, including their 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth in April, their 4-1 North London derby victory at the Emirates and the corresponding fixture at the City Ground, which ended 0-0.

His appointment for this game will certainly be viewed as contentious by Arsenal supporters. Oliver infamously officiated a UAE Pro League match back in 2023, meaning he was effectively paid an enormous sum of money by City's ownership group. Many argue that this means his impartiality towards the Citizens will have been compromised, and an array of dubious calls in matches involving the north-west club or their rivals support these claims.

Only a month ago, Oliver awarded City a winning goal in the Manchester derby, despite it being declared that there was an easily detectable offside in the build-up.

Michael Oliver's record officiating Arsenal

Oliver has been a Premier League referee since 2010 and has officiated 65 Arsenal games throughout his career.

In these games, he’s handed the Gunners 112 yellow cards, eight red cards and six penalties.

For context, he's officiated 67 City games, handing them two red cards and 12 penalties.

Michael Oliver's record officiating Nottingham Forest

As for Forest, Oliver has officiated 24 of the Reds' games, giving them 45 yellow cards, no red cards and two penalties in the process.

Who are the assistant referees and VAR?

Alongside Oliver as the referee will be his assistants, Stuart Burt, James Mainwaring and Farai Hallam, with the former two running the line and the latter the fourth official.

In the VAR room at Stockley Park, Michael Salisbury will oversee the game, with Ian Hussin assisting him.

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