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Howard Webb to Referee Chelsea - Everton FA Cup Final
The former policeman from South Yorkshire is going to Wembley.
Apr 21, 2009 3:35:03 PM
Howard Webb has been chosen to referee the FA Cup Final on May 30 between Chelsea and Everton at Wembley. Such an assignment is considered an honour for referees in the English game, and the ex-police officer from Rotherham, near Sheffield, was delighted that his authoritative and decisive performances this season had led to his being chosen.
"When I started out as a referee 20 years ago, the FA Cup final was the absolute pinnacle, even though it was a very distant dream," he told Sky Sports News.
"Realistically, when I started out it was very unlikely to ever happen, but the fact that it has is the realization of a dream. I'm thrilled to bits."
Webb has refereed at Wembley before, taking charge of last year's semifinal at the venue between Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion. A final, though, sends a subtly different shiver down the 37-year-old's spine.
"When I started out as a referee 20 years ago, the FA Cup final was the absolute pinnacle, even though it was a very distant dream," he told Sky Sports News.
"Realistically, when I started out it was very unlikely to ever happen, but the fact that it has is the realization of a dream. I'm thrilled to bits."
Webb has refereed at Wembley before, taking charge of last year's semifinal at the venue between Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion. A final, though, sends a subtly different shiver down the 37-year-old's spine.
"I'm lucky enough to have been there twice before," he continued.
"Wembley is an awesome stadium. I have been lucky enough to referee in some amazing grounds, the Nou Camp, the Bernabeu, Allianz Arena, but when it comes to the real home of football - Wembley is it."
The assistant referees have been named as Michael Mullarkey and David Richardson, whilst Martin Atkinson will be the fourth official.
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
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