Anthony Taylor named referee for the FA Cup final clash between Arsenal and Chelsea next month… despite his recent spat with Gunners chief Arsene Wenger

ANTHONY TAYLOR has been named referee for the FA Cup final clash between Arsenal and Chelsea next month… despite his recent spat with Arsene Wenger.

The Cheshire-based official, 38, will take charge of the game at Wembley on Saturday May 27, having previously served as fourth official for the final in 2013.

PA:Press Association

However, Arsenal fans will have some cause for concern after he was partially responsible for Wenger‘s recent four-match ban – following his behaviour in the 2-1 win over Burnley in January.

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In his post-match report during said game, Taylor wrote: “Mr Wenger left his technical area to confront me in disagreement at the decision.

“Before he said anything I said ‘think carefully before you say anything’.

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“He responded by saying ‘you are dishonest to your federation’.

“I considered this to be questioning both mine and the referee, Jon Moss’s integrity and impartiality.

“I stated to Mr Wenger that such a comment was not acceptable and he told me to ‘f*** off’ on two separate occasions.”

PA:Press Association

With Wenger under increasing pressure at the Emirates, a lot could be riding on his side winning the FA Cup.

Taylor also came under scrutiny earlier in 2017 when he made a series of shocking decisions during Burnley's defeat to Swansea.

Many blamed the official's stag do, which took place just a matter of nights before in Marbella.

However, Taylor appears to have no concerns regarding officiating the game, saying on his appointment: “The first feeling when I got was the call… I was delighted.

Reuters

"[I was] excited and very, very honoured and humbled to be appointed to the game.

“It’s been a long-standing dream of mine in the 20-odd years that I’ve been a referee to one day officiate the FA Cup Final, it’s the pinnacle of your domestic career.

“Refereeing a match at Wembley is a fantastic experience, any game that you do there.

"But the cup final is iconic and especially with it being a London derby as well, that adds an extra dimension to the occasion.”