As the 2024/25 Premier League season kicks off, fans are eagerly awaiting the action-packed fixtures of Matchweek 1. But it’s not just the players and coaches who will be under the spotlight—match officials also play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of these games.
Here’s a rundown of the referees and VAR teams assigned for the opening week’s matches:
Friday 16 August
- Manchester United vs. Fulham
Old Trafford, 20:00
Referee: Rob Jones
Assistants: Ian Hussin, Simon Bennett
Fourth Official: Anthony Taylor
VAR: Jarred Gillett
Assistant VAR: Darren Cann
Saturday 17 August
- Ipswich vs. Liverpool
Portman Road, 12:30
Referee: Tim Robinson
Assistants: Tim Wood, Steve Meredith
Fourth Official: Keith Stroud
VAR: Stuart Attwell
Assistant VAR: Harry Lennard - Arsenal vs. Wolves
Emirates Stadium, 15:00
Referee: Jarred Gillett
Assistants: Darren Cann, Nick Greenhalgh
Fourth Official: Gavin Ward
VAR: Paul Tierney
Assistant VAR: Natalie Aspinall - Everton vs. Brighton
Goodison Park, 15:00
Referee: Simon Hooper
Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long
Fourth Official: Darren Bond
VAR: Darren England
Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis - Newcastle vs. Southampton
St. James’ Park, 15:00
Referee: Craig Pawson
Assistants: Marc Perry, Mark Scholes
Fourth Official: Dean Whitestone
VAR: Chris Kavanagh
Assistant VAR: James Mainwaring - Nott’m Forest vs. Bournemouth
The City Ground, 15:00
Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistants: Stuart Burt, Dan Cook
Fourth Official: David Webb
VAR: Andy Madley
Assistant VAR: Adam Nunn - West Ham vs. Aston Villa
London Stadium, 17:30
Referee: Tony Harrington
Assistants: Scott Ledger, Mat Wilkes
Fourth Official: Andrew Kitchen
VAR: John Brooks
Assistant VAR: Nick Hopton
Sunday 18 August
- Brentford vs. Crystal Palace
Gtech Community Stadium, 14:00
Referee: Sam Barrott
Assistants: Neil Davies, Wade Smith
Fourth Official: Tim Robinson
VAR: Peter Bankes
Assistant VAR: Eddie Smart - Chelsea vs. Manchester City
Stamford Bridge, 16:30
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn
Fourth Official: Darren England
VAR: Michael Salisbury
Assistant VAR: Dan Cook
Monday 19 August
- Leicester vs. Spurs
King Power Stadium, 20:00
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Assistants: Lee Betts, Richard West
Fourth Official: Robert Jones
VAR: David Coote
Assistant VAR: Steve Meredith
With a mix of experienced and emerging officials, Matchweek 1 promises to be a thrilling start to the season. Keep an eye on these referees and VAR teams as they navigate the high-stakes encounters and influence the opening results of the Premier League.
