Premier League official Kevin Friend has been removed from taking charge of Stoke City vs Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night, due to his links with Leicester City.
Friend had been all set to take charge of the clash at the Britannia Stadium, but according to The Mirror, The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd have now replaced him with Neil Swarbrick because Friend is a regular attendee of Leicester matches at The King Power Stadium.
With Tottenham seven points off The Foxes who are clear favourites for a remarkable maiden Premier League crown, care has been taken to ensure Spurs do not suffer from partiality with just five games left for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
A statement from the referee governing body said: “PGMOL has made the decision to change the referee for the match between Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur as Kevin Friend, initially selected for the game, is from Leicester and has attended matches at Leicester City in a personal capacity.
“Given the timing and context of this match, it was felt unnecessary to add extra scrutiny on the refereeing appointment.
“Neil Swarbrick will referee the match and Friend will referee Newcastle United vs Manchester City.”
Leicester face West Ham United this weekend knowing just three more wins will be enough to secure the title and cap a remarkable season that has seen them qualify for the Champions League.
