Liverpool is set to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final, and an interesting subplot to the match has emerged—the appointment of referee John Brooks. This decision has stirred conversation among fans, particularly because Brooks was at the center of a controversial moment earlier in the season involving Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. With Stuart Attwell handling VAR duties, the officiating team is drawing attention ahead of the highly anticipated clash at Wembley.
A Referee with History
John Brooks will officiate the Carabao Cup final, marking his return to a fixture involving Liverpool and Newcastle. His previous encounter with these two teams occurred in August 2023 when he took charge of their Premier League match at St James’ Park. That game became memorable for an early red card shown to Virgil van Dijk, a decision that sparked heated debate. The Dutch defender was sent off after a foul on Alexander Isak, ruling him out for the remainder of the match and leading to a subsequent ban. Van Dijk’s reaction to the dismissal, along with his confrontation with officials, led to further disciplinary measures. Liverpool, however, overcame the setback, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory thanks to a late double from Darwin Nunez.
Despite this bit of controversy, the Carabao Cup final is set to be a thrilling encounter, with Liverpool edging it as favourites, as bookmakers place them at around 2/1. Newcastle’s odds are at around 9/2. As such, many Liverpool fans will be visiting betting sites not on GamStop and backing the Reds to lift the Carabao Cup for a record 11th time. However, neutrals may be wagering on Newcastle to pull off an upset and win their first major title in their new era of Saudi ownership.
Brooks’ Recent Involvement with Liverpool
Since that match, Brooks has officiated several more Liverpool fixtures, including their 2-1 victory over Chelsea in October. While there have been no major incidents in those matches, the upcoming final adds another layer of intrigue, as fans recall the intensity of his last high-profile call involving the Reds. Given the magnitude of the occasion and the history between Brooks and Liverpool, his officiating decisions will likely be closely scrutinised throughout the match.
The Role of VAR
Stuart Attwell will be overseeing VAR duties for the final. His inclusion in the officiating team brings back memories of another contentious moment from Liverpool’s season—the infamous match against Tottenham Hotspur in September 2023. During that fixture, a goal by Luis Diaz was controversially disallowed due to a VAR error, a mistake that led to widespread criticism of officiating standards. Though Attwell was not directly responsible for that decision, his name has been linked with officiating controversies in Liverpool’s recent past, making his role in the final another point of interest for supporters.
Previous Cup Final Experience
Interestingly, Attwell was the referee when Liverpool last won the League Cup final in 2022. His decisions during that match were met with mixed reactions, but Liverpool ultimately emerged victorious. His experience in high-pressure situations suggests he will be well-prepared for the challenges of this year’s final. Additionally, he officiated the first leg of Tottenham’s Carabao Cup semi-final in January, where he faced criticism from Liverpool’s coaching staff over a contentious decision involving a key opposition player.
What This Means for the Final
With Liverpool aiming to extend their record as the most successful team in Carabao Cup history, the selection of officials adds another dimension to an already compelling narrative. The familiarity of Brooks and Attwell with Liverpool’s matches means players and staff will be aware of their tendencies and officiating styles.
For Newcastle, the focus will likely be on securing their first major trophy since 1955. While officiating discussions can dominate pre-match conversations, both teams will need to concentrate on their performances rather than external factors. However, any contentious decisions during the game will undoubtedly add fuel to the debate about refereeing consistency in English football.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s reunion with John Brooks in the Carabao Cup final adds an intriguing storyline to an already exciting fixture. With Stuart Attwell overseeing VAR, memories of past officiating controversies are bound to resurface. While both officials bring experience to the match, their past interactions with Liverpool ensure that their decisions will be analysed closely. As the Reds prepare for another shot at silverware, all eyes will be on how the officiating unfolds at Wembley.
