FA Cup: Match official Michael Oliver gets Chelsea and Man United final
![LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Referee Michael Oliver reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Stoke City at London Stadium on April 16, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Referee Michael Oliver reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Stoke City at London Stadium on April 16, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/fe3d38303ead05145fdbec36beeae3d91f1caf0f3cdcd1db4467a13415e18cff.jpg)
The FA Cup has been blessed with some fairness before the final takes place. As reports go, referee Michael Oliver will be officiating the final of the FA Cup with pleasure.
The two thing that’s been constant during this campaign is Manchester City and poor decisions. Many match-points given away, next-round spots lost, and VAR chaos took place. It was a nightmare to witness what was happening during 90 minutes of football.
There has simply been too many poor decisions been made on the pitch. As recent as Thursday evening, Atletico Madrid had a man sent off [Sime Vrsaljko] after literally making two challengers with no warnings given. All this transpired in the first nine minutes of the game.
BREAKING: Michael Oliver to referee FA Cup final between Manchester United and Chelsea on May 19. #SSN pic.twitter.com/m5RZzznfIx
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 24, 2018
It was a poor decision, with maybe one card realistic. Furious with the decision, Diego Simeone got sent off after acting a fool towards the referee. At one point – I thought Diego was going to start running away from the ref, and the ref chase him down.
This showcases how quick events can escalate to a point of no return. From one act of dumbness – it leads to another act of stupidity. Refs need to be a 100 percent sure of their decisions. On many occasions I can concur they were only 50 percent sure of their decision-making.
The light in all things dark
As said early, Michael Oliver will be the main man trying to conducting a fair final between two rivals in search of a single trophy this season. This in fact, because of Manchester City taking everything else.
He has been pretty good throughout the season and has received praises from both final participants, sets of fans. Think many and all are happy with this early inclusion of Oliver. Only United is not happy with the decision, Mike Dean will not be taking the match.
BREAKING!! Man United bid £50m for Spurs playmaker Mike Dean! pic.twitter.com/sEidylueSz
— Free Super Tips (@FootySuperTips) January 2, 2017
Reports go on saying, Michael Oliver’s officiating team who will be assisting him are, Lee Betts and Ian Hussin, with Lee Mason as the fourth official. The other first timer joining Oliver, will be the beta version, VAR (LOL). Neil Swarbrick will be the first video assistant referee (VAR) in FA Cup Final history, with Mick McDonough the assistant VAR. Who will wait till the half time whistle to give a penalty.
After receiving the news Michael Oliver said [Taken from The FA]:
"“I was very proud and humbled to receive the phone call.“When you start out, taking charge of the Cup Final is not something you even think about.“As your career progresses it becomes a realistic target but it’s not a call you ever expect to take.“This opportunity only comes around once in a referee’s career.“I had people coming up to me in the street and people from inside the game were sending me messages. It’s a nice thing to know I’ve got that backing.”"
🏆 @EmiratesFACup Final
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) April 22, 2018
🆚 @ChelseaFC v @ManUtd
📅 Saturday 19 May
📍 @wembleystadium pic.twitter.com/Di0IBR7F3K
Next: Klopp believes Reds onslaught will continue in Italy
This sets an exciting tone for the FA Cup and hopefully with him directing the match – there will be a fair, free-flowing, FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United.
Three weeks till the oldest cup final takes place at Wembley stadium. Who will lift the cup out of the two teams, who failed to meet expectations this season? WIll it be Jose’s men, or Conte’s men?