Styles named cup final ref

The Football Association today confirmed Rob Styles as the referee for this year’s FA Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester United.

The Hampshire official will be in charge for both sides’ last chance of silverware this season, with referees under the spotlight in previous meetings this season.

A statement on the official website www.thefa.com read: “The FA has today confirmed that Rob Styles will officiate at this year’s FA Cup Final in Cardiff.”

United won when the teams met at Old Trafford, with referee Mike Riley criticised for awarding a penalty for the hosts and failing to send off Ruud van Nistelrooy for a crude foul on Ashley Cole.