Probert to referee FA Cup final

16 April 2014 17:01

Lee Probert will referee the FA Cup final between Arsenal and Hull next month, the Football Association has announced.

The 41-year-old Wiltshire official, who originally hails from the Isle of Wight, will be joined by assistant referees Jake Collin and Mick McDonough. Kevin Friend will be the fourth official with Simon Bennett the reserve assistant referee.

Probert was previously fourth official at the 2011 final between Manchester City and Stoke while he also refereed the 2010 FA Trophy final at Wembley.

With referees only allowed to take charge of the FA Cup final once in their careers, the appointment is a great honour for Probert.

He said: "To be given the opportunity to walk out as the referee for an FA Cup final is the highest accolade in English football. It's a massive honour and I am absolutely delighted.

"It still hasn't really sunk in to be honest. When I got the phone call, I have to say I did shed a tear and look to the sky.

"The first person I thought about was my dad, who I lost six years ago.

"He was always there to support me throughout my career and it's payback for all his hard work, taking me here, there and everywhere, encouraging me to never give up. When I walk out on 17 May, I know he'll be chuffed to bits."

Source: PA