Confirmed Match Officials: Manchester City vs Arsenal (FA Community Shield)

Stuart Attwell will take charge of the 2023 FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium between Manchester City and Arsenal on Sunday 6th August.

Manchester City are looking to win the first of six trophies on offer to the reigning Premier League and European champions this season, when they face Mikel Arteta’s side in the traditional curtain-raiser to the 2023/24 campaign.

Pep Guardiola’s side won both the Premier League and FA Cup as part of a famous treble last season, and as a result, will face league runners-up Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday.

Manchester City beat the Gunners three times last season, including two crucial wins as part of a thrilling Premier League title race involving the two clubs. The Sky Blues, who also knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup in the fourth round, won 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium and 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium last campaign, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring in both fixtures.

Manchester City have won 15 of the previous 16 meetings between the two sides, with a 2-0 loss at Wembley in 2020 being Mikel Arteta’s only victory over Pep Guardiola.

The Gunners beat Manchester City to the the signature of Declan Rice during the summer transfer window, while the clash at Wembley could provide Mateo Kovacic with his competitive debut for the Sky Blues. The Croatia international completed a £25 million transfer from Chelsea earlier this summer, and has impressed during pre-season.

Ahead of the clash at Wembley Stadium, the Football Association have announced the Match Officials for the 2023 FA Community Shield.

Match Referee

Stuart Attwell has been named as the referee for the 2023 FA Community Shield fixture between Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium.

The 40-year-old official took charge of 29 matches last season, showing 104 yellow cards and three red cards.

Attwell last officiated Manchester City in April, taking charge of the Emirates FA Cup semi-final win over Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium.

Assistant Referees

Attwell will be accompanied in North London by Assistant Referees Tim Wood and Dan Robathan.

Video Assistant Referees

Overviewing proceedings will be Video Assistant Referee Michael Salisbury and Assistant Video Assistant Referee Neil Davies.

Fourth Official

John Brooks has been named as the Fourth Official.

The referee will be overseeing conduct within the two dugouts, and the behaviour of managers Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.

Reserve Assistant Referee

Steve Meredith has been named as the Reserve Assistant Referee.

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