Man Utd vs Newcastle ref speaks out ahead of Carabao Cup final

David Coote claims that Sunday’s Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle will be a ‘massive occasion’ as both clubs attempt to end their respective silverware droughts. The referee has shed light on his build-up to the clash in a rare interview, with officials facing tough criticism in recent weeks. 

PGMOL chief Howard Webb called an emergency meeting earlier this month after a string of VAR errors left fans perplexed. Coote will therefore be under extra pressure to oversee a game free from controversy as the two sides prepare to do battle at Wembley. 

United have not won a major trophy since 2017 and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe could end a much lengthier run, with the Magpies last scooping up silverware all the way back in 1969. 

“Each referee only gets the chance to officiate each domestic final once, so there are only two occasions we can officiate at Wembley for a major domestic final – the Carabao Cup Final and the FA Cup Final,” Coote explained in the match’s official programme. “This is a massive occasion and a massive honour. 

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“Each referee only gets the chance to officiate each domestic Final once, so there are only two occasions we can officiate at Wembley for a major domestic final – the Carabao Cup Final and the FA Cup Final. This is a massive occasion and a massive honour. 

“When you look at the clubs involved in this, you’ve got two massive clubs with huge fanbases and huge history in cup competitions. I appreciate it’s Newcastle’s first visit to the new Wembley in a final as well.

“When you also add in how well both teams are doing this season and the style of football they both play, it really does promise to be quite an occasion. I’ve refereed both teams and the players on each side many times now. There’s a degree of familiarity, but equally we understand that it will be a big occasion for them as well as for us and an opportunity to win silverware for the first time this season. 

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