Salah and Slot will be gutted after Carabao Cup final ref confirmed

Liverpool fans are unlikely to be thrilled by the latest referee appointment for their upcoming Carabao Cup final, but none will be more disappointed than Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah. The English Football League (EFL) has confirmed that John Brooks will officiate the highly anticipated showdown at Wembley, a decision that will bring back bitter memories for the Reds.

Brooks, who has been in the spotlight for controversial decisions in Liverpool matches, was at the center of a storm earlier this season during the Premier League clash against Chelsea at Anfield. The referee inexplicably overlooked two blatant fouls on Salah in quick succession, both of which could have led to a penalty or at least a booking for Chelsea’s Levi Colwill. Instead, play continued, and the Reds were left frustrated by a series of questionable officiating calls.

The discontent with Brooks extends beyond just that Chelsea encounter. Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, also had his patience tested in the same match when a seemingly innocuous challenge by Darwin Núñez was penalized, leading to an animated reaction from the Dutchman. The moment quickly became a viral meme, highlighting Slot’s growing frustration with English referees.

Now, with Brooks set to take charge of the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool supporters fear a repeat of past injustices. Slot, who is still adjusting to English football after replacing Jürgen Klopp, has already had his fair share of run-ins with refereeing decisions, and he will be desperate to ensure that officiating does not play a decisive role in the final.

The officiating team for the final also includes assistant referees Eddie Smart and Nick Greenhalgh, with Darren England serving as the fourth official. Steve Meredith has been assigned as the reserve assistant referee, while Stuart Attwell and Sian Massey-Ellis will oversee VAR duties.

The selection of Brooks has raised concerns that Liverpool may have to overcome more than just their opponents to secure the Carabao Cup title. Given recent history, fans and players alike may feel they need to score multiple goals to mitigate the potential for controversial officiating decisions.

Newcastle United, Liverpool’s final opponents, will also be keeping an eye on the referee’s performance. The Magpies have had their share of referee-related frustrations this season, and they will hope to see a fair and balanced contest at Wembley.

Before the final, Liverpool faces crucial fixtures, including two Champions League matches and a Premier League clash against Southampton. These games will serve as vital preparation as the Reds aim to stay competitive across multiple competitions.

Despite the concerns surrounding officiating, Liverpool will be focused on delivering a commanding performance. The team has been in excellent form, with Salah continuing to lead the line with his usual brilliance. His ability to win crucial fouls and penalties could be tested again under Brooks’ watch.

The Carabao Cup has often been a launching pad for Liverpool’s success in other competitions. Securing the trophy would provide a significant morale boost as they continue to challenge for silverware on multiple fronts. It would also mark Slot’s first piece of silverware since taking charge, reinforcing his impact on the team’s progression.

While fans may be skeptical of the referee’s ability to officiate fairly, Liverpool must channel their frustrations into motivation. Overcoming Newcastle convincingly would ensure that no external factors influence the final outcome.

The upcoming Wembley showdown promises to be a high-stakes affair, with both teams desperate for silverware. As Liverpool prepares for the match, their focus will remain on executing their game plan efficiently and minimizing any distractions caused by officiating concerns.

For Salah, a player accustomed to being targeted by defenders, the final will be another test of his resilience. He will be determined to leave no room for doubt and make a definitive impact, ensuring that any refereeing decisions do not overshadow his performance.

Liverpool fans will be watching closely, hoping that history does not repeat itself under John Brooks’ officiating. The Reds have endured their share of contentious decisions, but they will aim to rise above any perceived injustices and claim another trophy.

Slot’s ability to manage his emotions and keep the team focused will be crucial. If Liverpool can maintain their current form, they stand a strong chance of overcoming any obstacles—be they Newcastle or officiating-related.

Ultimately, the Carabao Cup final presents an opportunity for Liverpool to assert their dominance and silence any external doubts. The referee may be a concern, but the team’s performance will be the ultimate deciding factor in their pursuit of silverware.