Foy to take charge of Shield

Chelsea v Manchester United
The FA Community Shield sponsored by McDonald's 2009
3pm, Sunday 9 August
Wembley Stadium

Chris Foy will referee The FA Community Shield this year, as FA Cup winners Chelsea take on Premier League champions Manchester United at Wembley on 9 August.

The Merseyside official, who was first appointed to the Select Group Referees list in 2001, has previous experience in officiating at Wembley having taken charge of this year’s League Cup Final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur and he also refereed the 2007 FA Trophy Final, which was the first competitive Final to be played at the new stadium.

He was also fourth official at the 2008 FA Cup Final and is now delighted to be taking to the Wembley pitch again for what is the curtain raiser to the new season in English football.

“To receive any appointment off The FA is always fantastic, no matter what competition it’s in, as it always gives you a thrill,” said Chris.

“So to be given the responsibility for refereeing the Community Shield this year is a wonderful opportunity for me and it’s an honour to receive it and I’m really looking forward to what should be a smashing game of football.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have refereed at Wembley before, so to go back will be fantastic.

“Any game at Wembley is a showpiece and people always want to be involved in the big games and I’m no exception.

“So to be given the opening game of the season that everyone looks at is perhaps testament to all of the hard work I’ve put in over the years and I’m grateful for the faith The FA have shown in me to take charge of the occasion.”

Foy will be joined by Assistant Referees Philip Sharp and Simon Beck, Fourth Official Lee Mason and Reserve Assistant Andy Newbold.