Northumberland FA Referee Development Officer, Lindsey Robinson, has been named referee for this year’s SSE Women’s FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea!

Having been assistant referee for both the 2014 and 2016 finals, Lindsey has this year been given the nod to take charge of the London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 5 May.

“It’s a great honour and I’m privileged to have been given the opportunity,” said Robinson, speaking to TheFA.com.

“I’m coming up to my tenth year as a match official so it’s a nice way to mark my anniversary.

“You hear about when the other referees get the call and you’re happy for them because we’re all one big team, but you never expect it yourself.

“I’ve enjoyed my season and I think I’ve done all right so I guess that has been reflected in this appointment.”

Robinson has experience of running the line at Wembley Stadium, when the London giants went head-to-head two years ago.

But she said being in the middle of the pitch at the home of football will be extra special.

“It’s our national stadium, a really iconic venue,” she said. “It’s known around the world.

“There’s no better venue to take charge of a game so I’ll try and soak it all up and remember it.

“To perform at Wembley is a dream for a referee as much as it is a player.

“I get the best view in the stadium and for that stadium to be Wembley is unbelievable.”

Robinson will be assisted at Wembley by Stacey Pearson (Somerset FA) and Kirsty Dowle (Kent FA), with Helen Byrne (Liverpool FA) the fourth official.

David Elleray, chairman of The FA referees' committee, added: "The FA referees' committee is delighted to appoint Lindsey, Stacey, Kirsty and Helen to the SSE Women’s FA Cup Final.

"We had no hesitation in deciding that they were an outstanding quartet who fully deserve their selection for this, the highest domestic refereeing honour in the women's game.

"We have every confidence that their skills and experience will add to the occasion and enhance what promises to be an exciting and entertaining Final.

"Once again, The FA is very pleased that the most important domestic women's match will be controlled by a team of high-quality female officials and we wish Lindsey and her team every success and an enjoyable Final."

Tickets to the Final are priced £15 for adults while kids go FREE!

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