THE LINESMAN THAT advised Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott to applaud his travelling supporters after his side’s 2-0 win has been axed from the match officials panel for an FA Cup tie.
John Brooks came to the attention of TheScore.ie, and the footballing world, when he suggested to Lescott that he applaud the City supporters that had paid a hefty fee to attend the match at the Emirates.
Brooks was caught by Sky Sports cameras saying, “They’ve paid 62 quid over there, go and see them.”
The Independent has revealed that Brooks has been dropped from the panel of match officials for tomorrow evening’s FA Cup third-round reply between West Brom and QPR.
Here is the incident in question.
YouTube credit: BBCSportChannel
The newspaper reports that Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the body which controls the assigning of officials for matches, was displeased by one of its staff members getting involved in such a matter, and has removed him from duty.
What’s so bad about appreciating the fans? Come on, cut the linesman some slack!
Got what he deserved, who does he think he is trying to be the big man looking stupid. Back to reffing pub games in the park for you kind sir ;-)
typical Premiership/football pandering to these spoiled brats. Like the Clattenberg case – guilty until proven innocent and then a low-profile token apology afterwards. The unfortunate fact is these mercenaries NEED reminding to go and thank the fans who spent too much of their hard-earned money watching these Sky Sports-made deities.
I’d say he probably shouldn’t have spoken out of turn and probably should have been told to watch his step but removed from duty. Nonsense.
Isn’t that what all away teams do, go over and applaud there fans, don’t need to be told by the lines man that’s for sure. Think he only said it because he new the cameras were on him, and now he has a bit of publicity out of it!!!!
Agreed George you are 100% correct, trying to have his moment in the spotlight.
Spot on