Salah and Slot will be devastated after the Carabao Cup final referee is confirmed.

Liverpool fans are unlikely to be thrilled about any referee being appointed for their matches, but Arne Slot and Mo Salah may be particularly disappointed by the latest announcement.

The Reds are set to compete in the Carabao Cup final this month, and it has now been confirmed (via efl.com) that John Brooks will officiate the match.

Brooks was the referee who failed to spot two blatant fouls on Mo Salah during Liverpool’s game against Chelsea at Anfield this season—both incidents happening in quick succession. Instead of booking Levi Colwill and awarding Liverpool a penalty, the challenges were inexplicably overlooked.

In the same match, head coach Arne Slot was visibly frustrated when a foul was given against Darwin Núñez, an outburst that quickly turned into a meme and highlighted one of the first signs of his frustration with English officiating.

Slot is unlikely to be pleased to see John Brooks in charge again.

The other officials for the final include: Assistant Referees Eddie Smart and Nick Greenhalgh, Fourth Official Darren England, Reserve Assistant Referee Steve Meredith, VAR Stuart Attwell, and AVAR Sian Massey-Ellis.

As mentioned, it’s difficult to feel confident about any referee appointment these days, given the frequent controversial decisions. Liverpool will need to focus on beating Newcastle on merit and perhaps prepare for potential officiating errors by securing a comfortable lead.

Before the Wembley showdown, Liverpool have two Champions League fixtures and a clash with Southampton. However, the Carabao Cup final will likely be the highlight of March.

Hopefully, the team can secure statement victories in all four matches and continue their strong form across three competitions.