Halsey to ref Gunners’ game against United

MARK HALSEY has been handed the task of refereeing the potentially explosive Carling Cup tie between Manchester United and Arsenal on December 1.

Although both sides are expected to field second string teams, the bad feeling between the two after Arsenal’s last trip to Old Trafford saw the Football League appoint one of the its experienced referees for the game.

Whether the appointment will greet with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger’s approval is a moot point as Halsey controversially dismissed Sol Campbell the last time he officiated a game between the two sides.

The red card, for elbowing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Highbury during the 2-2 draw in March 2003, prompted another massive row between the two clubs.