Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Kieran Horn

Premier League remove Lee Mason from VAR role after major error in Arsenal vs Brentford clash

Lee Mason has been taken off VAR duty for the next set of Premier League fixtures after his major error cost Arsenal two points in their Premier League clash with Brentford.

The Gunners had taken the lead in the 66th minute through Leandro Trossard but Ivan Toney then scored the equaliser eight minutes later. At the time, VAR spent several minutes looking at the goal but instead focused on the role of Ethan Pinnock in the build up, failing to recognise Christian Norgaard, who provided the assist for Toney, was offside.

On Sunday the PGMOL released a statement which read: "PGMOL can confirm its Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb has contacted both Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion to acknowledge and explain the significant errors in the VAR process in their respective Premier League fixtures on Saturday."

READ MORE: What Christian Pulisic has said about Chelsea transfer as Arsenal 'aware' of situation

As referenced in their statement, Emirates Stadium was not the only venue to witness a VAR mistake with Brighton incorrectly having a goal disallowed against Crystal Palace. The VAR for that game, John Brooks, was subsequently stood down from that role for the next two games.

He was meant to be in place for the Merseyside derby on Monday evening and the potentially title-deciding clash between Arsenal and Manchester City on Wednesday. Andre Marriner instead took charge from the VAR room for the fixture at Anfield with David Coote taking the reigns for the top-of-the-table battle.

New PGMOL chief Howard Webb then called an urgent meeting on Tuesday that required the attendance of all officials after an awful weekend for VAR. While not in the apology, Chelsea also felt hard done by to not be awarded a penalty late into their clash with West Ham. Tomas Soucek appeared to block a Conor Gallagher shot with his arm, but no spot-kick was given.

Following Brooks being removed from a VAR role, he will return as a fourth official in Arsenal's clash with Aston Villa this weekend. Mason meanwhile will have a weekend off amid claims from former Premier League referee Keith that he should be sacked.

READ NEXT:

How Arsenal can secure dream Champions League scenario after UEFA announcement

Arsene Wenger delivers honest verdict on Premier League title race ahead of Arsenal vs Man City

Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke gets boost in £1bn project as £335m funding approved

Four lessons Arsenal must learn from last Man City clash to hold Premier League title advantage

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.