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Referee, Lee Mason, who quit after making a huge VAR error last season, has been rehired, but this time to educate new referees.
The referee was criticised for a blunder he made in a Premier League match between Brentford and Arsenal.
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17:27 - 09.08.2023
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The Gunners were in a title race with Man City when they welcomed Brentford to the Emirates but the Bees went home with a point after a VAR error was made by the officials.
Lee Mason failed to draw the offside line for Brentford's equaliser with the Bees earning a point at full-time.
He was later asked to quit his position by the PGMOL after evidence showed that he failed to do his VAR duties.
However, according to reports Mason is set to return as a trainer after being hired by the PGMOL.
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Lee Mason set for Premier League return
According to Mail Sport, PGMOL, the organisation that oversees referees, has hired the official who abruptly resigned after failing to see an offside in the moments leading up to Brentford's equaliser against Arsenal in February.
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12:08 - 06.08.2023
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Mason, a Bolton native, has been reinstated and will collaborate with referees in the Premier League, EFL, and Women's Super League while focusing mostly on Leagues One and Two.
Mason has officiated 287 matches in the Premier League's top division during his 15 years as a referee until his retirement.
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PGMOL has taken a number of actions to strengthen support for officials under new leader Howard Webb, including the rehiring of Mason.
They have also hired "football insights coaches" for the first time, including former Ipswich player Chris Kiwomya and former FA development coach Ifran Kawri. Andre Marriner, a former official, will also lend assistance.
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17:48 - 07.08.2023
Arsenal turn down Monaco’s offer for Folarin Balogun
Arsenal have rejected a formal bid from AS Monaco for Folarin Balogun, who is expected to leave the Emirates this summer.
Former referee Keith Hackett expressed his displeasure with the move, saying, “The guy who did not set the world alight in the middle but was a survivor and an abject failure in the VAR role will be advising and passing on his skill sets to others.”
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