Kavanagh Referees Liverpool vs Man City Clash at Anfield

Chris Kavanagh has been appointed referee for Liverpool vs Manchester City at Anfield on October 11, 2026, with the Premier League fixture drawing attention to his previous involvement in this matchup, according to Standard.

Kavanagh, a Manchester-born official, will oversee the game while assistants Dan Cook and Nick Greenhalgh join him on the field, according to Standard. Andy Madley has been named fourth official.

Paul Howard will handle VAR duties with Nick Hopton as assistant VAR, according to Standard. The appointments come as Manchester City prepare for their first match since an independent commission found them guilty of gross financial misconduct, a verdict the club has appealed.

Kavanagh previously refereed the corresponding fixture when Manchester City won at the Etihad Stadium last season, according to Standard. The match included a disallowed Virgil van Dijk equaliser before half-time, leading Liverpool to submit a formal complaint to the refereeing body then known as PGMOL.

Standard also reported that Kavanagh and Greenhalgh were stood down from duties in February 2026 after a series of errors during an FA Cup tie between Aston Villa and Newcastle.

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event, with coverage beginning at 4pm BST before the 4.30pm BST kickoff, according to Standard. Sky Sports subscribers can also watch through the Sky Go app and website.