Mike Dean has been removed from his position as fourth official for Wednesday’s Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham, according to reports.
Dean will now oversee the Manchester City vs West Ham fixture on the same day, according to football.london, having been involved in an incident with Mauricio Pochettino, the Spurs manager, last weekend.
The 50-year-old was referee for Tottenham’s trip to Burnley on Saturday and was approach by Pochettino and Jesus Perez, his assistant, after the full-time whistle blew on the north Londoners’ 2-1 defeat.
It is alleged Dean said something while Pochettino’s back was turned which led to the Argentine confronting the official and having to be held back by his staff.
“Sometimes some things happen on the pitch and I’ll keep it on the pitch,” Pochettino told talkSPORT after the match.
“I said earlier in the week that this would be a difficult game for us – and when you lose the emotions are there.
“But if we need to blame someone, it’s ourselves. First the manager and then the team and everyone.”
Dean and Pochettino were due to be reunited on Wednesday when Spurs visit Stamford Bridge, but the report claims the Professional Game Match Officials Board have altered their appointments by moving Dean to oversee proceedings at the Etihad instead.
Kevin Friend has reportedly been chosen to replace Dean as fourth official for Chelsea vs Tottenham, with Andre Marriner acting as referee.
Tottenham will hope to get back to winning ways on Wednesday against the Blues, who were not in Premier League action over the weekend due to the Carabao Cup final taking place on Sunday.
Maurizio Sarri’s side were beaten by Manchester City on penalties, though post-match headlines have been dominated by goalkeeper Kepa’s refusal to be substituted towards the end of extra-time.