Phil Dowd appointed FA Cup final referee

The Football Association have confirmed that Phil Dowd will referee May's FA Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool.

It will be the first time that Dowd, who made his Football League debut in 1992, has taken charge of the showpiece event.

The 49-year-old has previously officiated the League Cup final in 2010, as well as the Community Shield at the beginning of the current campaign.

Dowd has issued five red cards so far this season.