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#Post#: 105988--------------------------------------------------
Akil Howson speaking about being selected for the FA Cup final
DIR By: bmb
Date: May 15, 2026, 5:27 pm
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HTML https://youtu.be/LwflafsKcvs?si=f_Crj2r5JQ__fpYq
#Post#: 105992--------------------------------------------------
Re: Akil Howson speaking about being selected for the FA Cup
final
DIR By: DublinRef
Date: May 16, 2026, 2:46 am
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I confess I often find referee interviews a tad bland and
robotic but I really liked this one. Speaks very well and a
terrific ambassador. What I really enjoyed was his very apparent
enthusiasm and gratitude. In a time where so many top level
performers across industry seem to be filled with ego and
entitlement, it is such a pleasure to see officials with
humility and gratitude make it to the top (people like Craig
Pawson also spring to mind).
Like Mr. Howson, I too am surprised that he is the first black
official in an FA cup final. To me, these milestones are always
somewhat bitter sweet - it’s fantastic to see minority officials
being afforded these opportunities, but, it’s a stark reminder
of how unique these occurrences still are. I share Mr. Howson’s
desire that one day, a black person officiating in an FA Cup
final won’t be noteworthy at all.
I also enjoyed his path to refereeing, somewhat of a unique
story, but it confirms what I was always told growing up - your
mother is always right!!
#Post#: 106027--------------------------------------------------
Re: Akil Howson speaking about being selected for the FA Cup
final
DIR By: bmb
Date: May 16, 2026, 8:53 am
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--- Quote from: DublinRef link ---
>
> I also enjoyed his path to refereeing, somewhat of a unique
story, but it confirms what I was always told growing up - your
mother is always right!!
>
--- End Quote ---
His Mum was also a very good referee in her day. She's a very
special lady and a trailblazer in her own right. I hope she
enjoys her day out today watching her son, she will be
absolutely bursting with pride, and rightly so. Absolutely
lovely lady, still involved in refereeing and has done some
amazing work at grassroots level.
#Post#: 106076--------------------------------------------------
Re: Akil Howson speaking about being selected for the FA Cup
final
DIR By: refs1
Date: May 16, 2026, 3:45 pm
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Akil has helped me run a couple of young referees training
evenings. Very down to earth, and in the game for the right
reasons. Was so pleased to hear of his appointment. Top man and
one of the nicest people in football ⚽️
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