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Historical FA Cup Final: Diverse Referee Team

Leicester News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!·Apr 29, 2026·1:16

About this Episode

Akil Howson, a black assistant referee from Leicestershire and Rutland, is making history as the first in an FA Cup final. Hell join Darren England, Tim Wood, Sam Barrott, and Peter Bankes on the pitch at Wembley on May sixteenth. This diverse team represents a push for inclusivity in English football, with officials like Farai Hallam, Ruebyn Ricardo, and Sam Allison now working in the top two mens divisions. England, who was sidelined after a VAR slip-up, is back strong, adding to the redemption arc of this historic final.

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Transcript

Akeel Houseon is making history as the first black official in an FA Cup final.

The 35-year-old assistant referee from Leicestershire and Retlin will take the pitch when Chelsea faces Manchester City at Wimbley on May 16th.

He's been in the Premier League's top referee group for the last three seasons.

Leading the crew is Darren England, handling his first final as main ref with Tim Wood on second assistant Sam Barrett as fourth official and Peter.

Banks on VAR alongside Nick Hopton.

This milestone highlights the push to diversify refereeing in English football.

Officials like Farai Halum, Rubin Ricardo and Sam Allison now work the top two men's divisions while Paul Howard handles Premier League VAR.

Through a special training program, England's got his own comeback story after that big VAR slip-up in the 2023 Tottenham Liverpool match where Louis Diaz is goal-guide.

Wrongly chalked off.

Side-line for nearly three months, the 40-year-old FIFA listed ref from Sheffield is now back strong.

With this diverse team calling the shots, the final shapes up as a breakthrough moment, blending fresh faces and redemption arcs on football's biggest stage.

This has been Lester News today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story.