Source: SKY_Sports
FA defend Riley decision
The Football Association has defended its decision to appoint Mike Riley as the referee for the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Everton. The FA described the official as one of the most 'highly respected referees in the world' amid David Moyes' comments in the aftermath of Riley's appointment.Steve Bennett was scheduled to take charge of the match but he has been ruled out through injury so Riley, who was set to be fourth official in the Arsenal-Chelsea semi-final on Saturday, was chosen to take his place.The Toffees manager questioned the choice and suggested that the official was in fact a United fan."Steve Bennett was originally chosen for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final," an FA spokesman said in a statement."When he suffered an injury last week Mike Riley, who was due to be fourth official for Saturday's FA Cup tie, was chosen as his replacement.Highly respected"Mike is one of the most highly respected referees in this country and around the world and has handled matches at the highest level."His integrity is without question. "During Mike's 13 years as a Premier League referee he has officiated in more than 300 matches and has refereed both Everton and Manchester United on numerous occasions both home and away."Mike has the full support of the Football Association and we have absolute faith in both his integrity and ability to referee such an important fixture."