Keith Hackett raises questions over FA Cup final referee appointment after West Ham vs Arsenal controversy
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Credit: Imago Mon 11 May 2026 14:43, UK 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. ⚽ Man City Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, tactical previews and expert breakdowns for every Manchester City fixture. VISIT THE MATCH HUBDarren England set to take charge of FA Cup finalJust 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.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES 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. 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 finalsFixtureReferee2025Crystal Palace vs Man CityStuart Attwell2024Man City vs Man UnitedAndy Madley2023Man City vs Man UnitedPaul Tierney2022Liverpool vs ChelseaCraig Pawson2021Chelsea vs Leicester CityMichael 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. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Man City Insider Access Get the full story from the Etihad Stadium and CFA with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the Etihad Campus.