Keith Hackett raises questions over FA Cup final referee appointment after West Ham vs Arsenal controversy
Darren England is set to officiate the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City just days after a hugely controversial incident.
The 40-year-old was watching West Ham’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal from Stockley Park on Sunday, 10 May, taking charge of VAR, and making the key decision to recommend a review of Callum Wilson’s equaliser.
With David Raya appearing to be fouled by Pablo in the build-up to the Hammers’ equaliser, the goal was chalked off, creating a domino effect throughout the Premier League, while ruining West Ham’s hopes.
The PGMOL official is now set to take charge of Chelsea’s clash with Man City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 16 May, but Hackett has raised an important question ahead of the FA Cup final.
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VISIT THE MATCH HUBDarren England set to take charge of FA Cup final
Just days after being involved in the drama at the London Stadium, England will be in charge of one of the season’s biggest games, something which, seemingly, should be frowned upon.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “When you’re appointed to the FA Cup final, I was told that a week before the final is played, you’re not going to referee a football match.
“Why not? It’s good for my fitness. They don’t want referees going into a final a week after any sort of controversial decision. Darren England has got the FA Cup final.
| Last five FA Cup finals | Fixture | Referee |
| 2025 | Crystal Palace vs Man City | Stuart Attwell |
| 2024 | Man City vs Man United | Andy Madley |
| 2023 | Man City vs Man United | Paul Tierney |
| 2022 | Liverpool vs Chelsea | Craig Pawson |
| 2021 | Chelsea vs Leicester City | Michael Oliver |
“I don’t want him to have any baggage because he made the right call; he did what he had to do, so let’s hope he has a good FA Cup final.”
Who else is in charge of Chelsea vs Man City?
England will be joined by Tim Wood and Akil Howson, with Sam Barrott as the fourth official, and Peter Bankes in charge of VAR, with Nick Hopton serving as assistant VAR.
Bankes was last in charge for City’s 2-0 win over Arsenal on 22 March, with both goals coming from Nico O’Reilly. The referee didn’t have the best of games at Wembley Stadium on that occasion.
Kepa Arrizabalaga was only cautioned when holding back Jeremy Doku, with many City supporters believing that the goalkeeper should have been sent off for his challenge outside the penalty area.
Hackett was also critical after Pep Guardiola was punished for his celebrations, having charged down the touchline after his left-back hit the back of the net.
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