Assistant referee axed for ticket comment

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 13: (L-R) Matija Nastasic, Joe Hart and Joleon Lescott of Manchester City applaud the travelling fans after the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium,

Assistant referee, John Brooks, who was caught on camera asking Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott to thank the travelling support at the end of game against Arsenal, has been axed from Tuesday’s FA Cup third-round replay between West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers.

Brooks was seen urging Lescott to acknowledge the travelling supporters and was filmed by TV crew telling Lescott, “they’ve paid 62 quid over there, go and see them”.

In recent times, the pressure from discontent supporters over spiralling English Premier League ticket prices is mounting, as fans attempt to make their voices heard. Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the body which controls the assigning of officials for matches, was unhappy about this incident and has removed him from duty for Tuesday’s match.

Dave Bryan will replace Brooks along with other assistant Darren Cann, fourth official Martin Atkinson and referee Neil Swarbrick.