Officials Announced for FA Cup Final at Wembley.

Lee Probert has been appointed as the referee to oversea this year's FA Cup final game between Hull City and Arsenal at Wembley on May 17.

Having previously officiated on two different occasions at Wembley, this will be his third. The first was in the 2010 FA Trophy final while he was also a fourth officail in the 2011 FA Cup final between Manchester City and Stoke City.


Speaking to the FA, the 41-year old described being given the opportunity to handle such a massive game as a honour to his personality.

"To be given the opportunity to walk out as the referee for an FA Cup Final is the highest accolade in English football, he told the FA website.

"It’s a massive honour and I am absolutely delighted. It still hasn’t really sunk in to be honest. When I got the phonecall, 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.

"My dad always said to me 'don’t ever look back and wonder what you could have achieved. If you have an ambition, go and give it 100 per cent and you’ll achieve your goals'."

The Wiltshire resident continued: "The FA Cup Final is the pinnacle of English football and I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity by The FA.

"As a youngster, I was no different from any other boy who would watch all the build-up on FA Cup Final day, from the coverage at the team hotels up to the kick-off. You’d then go off to the park and relive the Final with your mates. For anyone, being involved in The FA Cup has got to be one of the best days of your life, in footballing terms certainly.

"It’s the most iconic football competition in the world, with the history that it has, so knowing I’m going to be a part of that rates as one of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced. It’s up there with my wedding day certainly."

Also in the officiating crew with Probert on that day will be Jake Collin (assistant referee), Mick McDonough (assistant referee), Kevin Friend (fourth official) and Simon Bennett (reserve assistant referee).

Lee Probert who hails from Isle of Wight had taken charge of 27 games this season, giving out 48 yellow cards and 5 red cards in the process.

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