Webb awarded a controversial penalty in Everton's 3-3 draw with Aston Villa

Howard Webb has been chosen as the referee for the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Everton on 30 May.

The 37-year-old is regarded as one of England's best officials and took charge of two group games at Euro 2008.

"When I started out as a referee 20 years ago the FA Cup final was the absolute pinnacle even though it was a very distant dream," he said.

"It was very unlikely to ever happen, but that it has is the realisation of a dream and I'm thrilled to bits."

Webb was fourth official at the 2007 final and took charge of the semi-final between West Brom and Portsmouth last year.

So far this season he has issued five red cards, including dismissals for Manchester United pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidic, in 39 games.

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