Ref criticised for controversial Newcastle United red to officiate Burnley v Bournemouth
Burnley resume their Premier League survival fight with a home clash against Bournemouth this weekend.
The Clarets go in search of a long-overdue home win, having not enjoyed three points at Turf Moor since October.
A 2-0 defeat at Everton in their last outing, meanwhile, leaves their survival hopes hanging by a thread – with nine points separating them and 17th place.
Scott Parker’s side face a Cherries side that sit comfortably in ninth place, having played out a 0-0 draw with Brentford in their last encounter.
Who is the referee for Burnley v Bournemouth?
He’s overseen 23 games so far this season, dishing out 93 yellow cards and five reds.
Twenty-one of those fixtures have come in the Premier League, one in the FA Cup and the other in the Carabao Cup.
Bankes has dished out red cards in back-to-back games, during Newcastle United’s 2-1 win over Manchester United and Chelsea’s 4-2 cup win at Wrexham.
He drew criticism for the dismissal of Newcastle’s Jacob Ramsey, who was shown a second yellow card for an apparent dive.
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given, working on the game for TNT Sports, said: "I think it's very harsh to give a second yellow card for that.
“I think there's a slight coming-together. I'm not saying it's a definite penalty but I do think it's extremely harsh to get sent off for that.”
Magpies boss Eddie Howe, meanwhile, echoed that view.
"I don't think Jacob has gone down to simulate or mislead the referee in any way,” he said.
"He's maybe anticipating contact and loses his footing. I think you have to be really careful before changing the game like the referee did.”
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What history does he have with Burnley?
Bankes has already taken charge of two Burnley games this season, the 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea in November and the 2-2 draw with Tottenham in January.
Prior to this season, you have to rewind two years for the last time Bankes took charge of a Burnley game, which was the 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace.
Earlier on in the 2023/24 season, Bankes did oversee Burnley’s first win of the Premier League campaign as Vincent Kompany’s side overcame Luton Town 2-1 at Kenilworth Road.
Who is on VAR duty?
Tony Harrington, assisted by Lee Betts.
Neil Davies and Steve Meredith will run the line, while David Webb is down as fourth official.
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