The referee for the FA Cup final will be Martin Atkinson. Yes, that Martin Atkinson, the one who cheesed SAF off because he had the temerity to give a perfectly legitimate penalty against United at Stamford Bridge. Mr Atkinson is a very highly regarded official and his appointment to the showpiece occasion is well deserved. He was the fourth official in last seasons' Champions League final and also had the middle for Shalke's 5-2 win over Inter Milan in the San Siro recently. He will be assisted on the day by Linesmen Adam Watts and Simon Beck. Fourth Official will be Lee Probert. Good luck to you all, Gentlemen. Have a good game. It can't go without mention though, that the appointment of Atkinson to the FA's major showpiece occasion is a slap in the face for Old Red Nose. Not only did United lose at Chelsea, but he also got his latest touchline ban for criticising Atkinson's honesty and intregrity. Of course, the appointment has nothing to do with the FA wanting to rub Ferguson's nose in it, but we can all have a quiet smile in the sure and certain knowledge that he (Ferguson) will see it that way and it will stick in his throat.
Lets just hope he hits that thug Huth with a quick yellow and get him under control. He is a nasty player and seems to always get away with it.