FA Cup Final Appointment

[Englishref]

Referee: Mike Dean
Assistants: Peter Kirkup and Darren Cann
Fourth Official: Phil Dowd

So my tip was correct. Mike's had a superb season. Esecially after the ridiculous treatment he suffered at the end of last season. So thoroughly deserved.

Kirkup is an excellent, young AR, who made the FIFA list this year, and as he's not made Panel yet, he could go down the Phil Sharp route, meaning I expect to see him at future WC finals, and possibly London 2012. Darren Cann is in his first season as a SG AR, which makes his appointment all the more remarkable. Although, he has had some great appointments already, including Arsenal vs Chelski, where he infamously incorrectly ruled out Van Persie's goal. Not sure on him yet.

And Phil Dowd, the FA and PGMO's blue eyed boy, gets his much expected FO appointment, so congratulations to him. Makes up for being taken off the game of his career this weekend I suppose!

[MassachusettsRef]

Wow:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=365862&cc=5901

Tough luck for Dean.

[Englishref]

Yep, it's an absolutely ridiculously farcical situation that The FA have found themselves in. I've no idea why Mike was appointed before the semi-final, which breaks with tradition, and even though he was, why he was appointed when Liverpool were still in the competition defies logic anyway.

It's a shame it's happened, but ultimately it was the correct decision.

It's also interesting that Alan Wiley has the final. He's pretty central in terms of location between the two teams, but he's the first referee I can remember to get both the CC and FAC finals in the same season.