Race against time: Dowd intervenes as Nani confronts Jamie Carragher in 2011

In the 2011-12 season Dowd presided over 38 games at all levels, including 28 in the Premier League. Only three select group referees took charge of more games.

The Stoke-on-Trent based official enjoyed a trouble-free Cup final despite the initial controversy
over whether an Andy Carroll header had crossed the line as Liverpool looked for a late equaliser in their 2-1 defeat by Chelsea. Assistant referee Andrew Garratt was shown to have been correct in refusing to award a goal.

By contrast, Dowd’s other appearance in a domestic final - Manchester United’s 2-1 League Cup triumph over Aston Villa in 2010 - was marred by an early misjudgement.

Refereeing experts agreed with most pundits that United’s Nemanja Vidic should have been sent off after bringing down Gabby Agbonlahor and denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Villa were given a penalty but Vidic escaped punishment.

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