Linesman in Van Persie 'offside' row is left off match list
The linesman who allowed Robin van Persie's offside goal against Chelsea to stand has been kicked off the list for this weekend's matches.
John Stokes, who failed to raise his flag against Van Persie for Arsenal's equaliser in their 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, will not be on duty at a Premier League or Football League game.
Although the Premier League declined to comment, it is understood Stokes has been rested as a punishment for his high-profile blunder.
Luiz Felipe Scolari was furious and demanded an apology from the officials after watching Chelsea's defeat, claiming Stokes's mistake had "killed" his team.
Van Persie was a yard offside when the ball was played to him on the edge of the Chelsea box, but he was allowed to continue and score.
The Dutchman struck the winner three minutes later, leaving an angry Scolari to question the judgement of the officials.
The Brazilian also appeared to suggest that there was a conspiracy to keep Arsenal in the title race, but later admitted the errors were "not deliberate", and he has escaped punishment from the Football Association for his remarks.
The Professional Game Match Officials, the body responsible for referees and their assistants, meet on Mondays to determine the appointments of officials for each round of matches.
Mike Dean, who refereed the fixture at Stamford Bridge, will take charge of Newcastle's match against Stoke on Saturday.
The other linesman, Simon Beck, will be on duty at Norwich's Championship game against Ipswich the following day.
