It has been announced that Paul Tierney will take charge of the FA Cup final between Manchester United and Man City on Saturday 3 June.
The 42-year-old will referee the first ever Manchester derby to take place in an FA Cup final. That alone makes it a big occasion for all officials involved because they know all eyes will be on them throughout the game.
Tierney felt the need to insist he does not support United or City, following criticism from Liverpool fans – who, truth be told, have nothing to worry about when it comes to this year’s FA Cup final. It beggars belief why any of them would care.
“It’s a real honour for me and the rest of the team, and we’re all thrilled to have been appointed for this game,” Tierney said, as per The FA’s official website.
“To referee the FA Cup final is one of those things that you strive to do and it’s always been one of my targets but it still takes a bit of time to sink in.
“It’s a great fixture to be refereeing too and although there is the common assumption that because I’m from Wigan I must support one of them, I was actually born in Belfast and only moved to Wigan when I was eleven and it’s actually going to be the first time that I’ve refereed a Manchester derby so I’m looking forward to it.
“I’ve since been fortunate to referee there and be involved in more games and it’s something that always sticks with you.
“Obviously, this game is going to top the lot on a personal level, so I’m looking forward to it and hopefully the final will be a great game.”
Meanwhile, David Cooke has been appointed as the lead VAR, with Simon Long his assistant.
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