Football fans are gearing up for an exciting clash as John Brooks takes the center stage as the man with the whistle in the Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at the iconic Wembley Stadium. For Brooks, this isn't just another game; it's his third time this season refereeing a Newcastle match, having previously officiated their November victory over Arsenal and their semi-final against the same team. All eyes will be on how Brooks manages this high-pressure game.
Brooks has been climbing the ranks in the referee world, being promoted to Select Group 1 back in 2021. This season, he's handed out an impressive 117 yellow cards across 23 matches, but interestingly, he hasn't shown a single red card yet. That doesn't mean he hasn't been involved in controversies; Newcastle fans still remember the August 2023 match against Liverpool where Virgil van Dijk was sent off under Brooks' watch.
Brooks' Track Record with the Teams
Brooks' past officiating history with both teams adds an interesting layer to the final. For Newcastle, he has been somewhat of a good-luck charm, overseeing six wins and only three defeats with the Magpies. On the other hand, his track record with Liverpool isn't too shabby either; in seven matches, the Reds have emerged victorious four times, with only two losses.
The stakes are incredibly high for both teams. For Liverpool, it's about defending their Carabao Cup title, maintaining their status as one of England's top teams. Meanwhile, Newcastle has a 70-year trophy drought to break, making this match potentially historic for the club. Supporting Brooks on the pitch are assistant referees Eddie Smart and Nick Greenhalgh, along with Darren England as the fourth official. The video assistant referee duties will be handled by Stuart Attwell, with Sian Massey-Ellis assisting, ensuring that each critical moment is scrutinized thoroughly.
The Carabao Cup final is set to be a spectacle, with Brooks and his team at the helm. Whether it will be remembered for the football skills on display or the decisions made off the ball remains to be seen. But one thing's for sure, Brooks will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of this high-stakes encounter.
