Arsenal v Hull City: Lee Probert, who sent Arsene Wenger to the stands at Old Trafford, appointed as referee for FA Cup final
The official will take charge at Wembley on May 17
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Your support makes all the difference.Lee Probert has been appointed as the referee for this season's FA Cup final.
Probert will take charge of Arsenal’s meeting with Hull City at Wembley on May 17, after being appointed unanimously by the FA Referees’ Committee.
The Wiltshire-based referee has had a controversial history with Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger. Probert had to apologise to the Frenchman after advising Mike Dean to send him off for kicking a water bottle during an Arsenal defeat at Old Trafford. Wenger memorably looked perplexed as he stood amongst the Manchester United fans for the final few minutes of that game.
However, Wenger’s side have a reasonable record when the official is in charge, unbeaten in their last five games that he has refereed, including three wins and a draw this season.
In contrast Hull City have not won any of their last six games with Probert in the middle, a record going back to 2009. Probert’s only game in charge of the Tigers this season saw them draw 1-1 away to Brighton in the FA Cup. Hull progressed after a replay.
Probert, who was fourth official in the 2011 showpiece, 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 phonecall, I have to say I did shed a tear and look to the sky.
The Cup final assistan referees will be Jake Collin and Mick McDonough, while Kevin Friend will be fourth official.
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