Salah and Slot Will Be Gutted After Carabao Cup Final Ref Confirmed

Liverpool’s upcoming Carabao Cup final has just taken an interesting turn with the confirmation of the referee set to officiate the match. While referees are often scrutinized before big matches, the latest selection will likely leave both Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah deeply concerned.

The English Football League (EFL) has officially announced that John Brooks will be in charge of the final, a decision that has already sparked debate among Liverpool fans. The concerns are not without merit, as Brooks has been at the center of controversy involving the Reds in the past.

Many Liverpool supporters will remember Brooks’ officiating in their Premier League clash against Chelsea at Anfield earlier this season. On that occasion, two clear fouls on Salah were ignored in quick succession, with Chelsea’s Levi Colwill avoiding what should have been a yellow card and the Reds being denied a penalty. The frustration didn’t end there—other questionable decisions in that game left Slot visibly agitated on the sidelines.

The Dutchman’s animated reaction to a foul given against Darwin Nunez became a viral moment, highlighting his growing discontent with Premier League officiating. Now, with Brooks assigned to the Carabao Cup final, Slot may fear more of the same treatment at Wembley.

Liverpool’s frustrations with officiating are not unique to this season. Over the years, they have been on the receiving end of several controversial calls, some of which have influenced major games. The appointment of Brooks, therefore, brings an added layer of anxiety for the Anfield faithful ahead of this high-stakes final.

The full list of match officials for the game has also been released, and it does little to inspire confidence. Assisting Brooks will be Eddie Smart and Nick Greenhalgh, while Darren England takes the role of fourth official. Steve Meredith has been named reserve assistant referee, while Stuart Attwell and Sian Massey-Ellis will be in the VAR booth.

For Liverpool fans, it is hard to find comfort in any of these names. Officiating controversies have been a regular occurrence in English football, and the hope is that this final does not become another example of poor refereeing overshadowing an important game.

Newcastle United, Liverpool’s opponents in the final, will also be keeping an eye on the officiating, though their grievances with Brooks may not be as pronounced. Nonetheless, given the magnitude of the match, both teams will expect a fair and balanced officiating performance.

Liverpool, however, must focus on their own performance rather than worry too much about officiating. With the Champions League knockout rounds and a Premier League title race still ongoing, the Carabao Cup presents an opportunity for early silverware and momentum heading into the business end of the season.

Before the final, the Reds have crucial fixtures in both domestic and European competitions. With key clashes against Southampton and a pair of Champions League ties, they must ensure they maintain their winning mentality leading up to Wembley.

The club’s depth will also be tested during this period. Injuries have played a role in their season so far, and Slot will be hoping to have his best squad available when the time comes. Salah, as always, will be a key figure in the attack, and Liverpool will need him at his best despite his frustrations with officiating decisions.

Wembley finals always bring immense pressure, and while referees play an important role, Liverpool must rise above any potential setbacks. Slot has already shown his ability to adapt and rally his players, and the Carabao Cup final will be another test of his leadership in his first season in charge.

Liverpool fans will be hoping for a smooth and controversy-free match, but history suggests they should prepare for anything. If officiating does become a talking point, Slot and Salah will need to ensure their frustrations do not impact their performance on the pitch.

Ultimately, the Reds will be aiming to win on merit and not leave the result in the hands of the officials. A convincing performance will be the best way to ensure that any refereeing mistakes do not decide the outcome of the final.

With the stakes this high, Liverpool will be looking to overcome any obstacles and add another trophy to their collection. Regardless of who the referee is, their focus will be on securing victory at Wembley and lifting the Carabao Cup once again.