Lee Mason will no longer be fourth official for Liverpool's trip to Sheffield United this evening.
The under-fire referee was set to be on the touchline for this evening's game as the Reds look to get back to winning ways against the Premier League's rock-bottom club.
Yet Mason was involved in a controversial moment during Saturday's game between Brighton and West Brom as he appeared to confirm a Seagulls free-kick could be taken quickly, blowing his whistle when Baggies goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was still arranging his wall.
Lewis Dunk fired the ball home but Mason blew the whistle a second time before the ball crossed the line and, after consulting VAR, the referee opted to disallow the goal, despite at one stage appearing to rule that the free-kick should stand.
After the controversy, Mason has now been removed as fourth official at Bramall Lane, with John Brooks now set to be on the touchline to assist referee Jonathan Moss.
Mason's decision infuriated Brighton, with Dunk stating post-match that the referee had confirmed he could take the free-kick.
"It’s embarrassing," Dunk told Sky Sports.
"It’s a horrendous decision, I said to the ref can I take it, he blew his whistle and I took it. Just because there was so much pressure from the bench.
"Why doesn’t he come and speak to the press like me? Never, they hide behind their bubble.
"I don’t think he knew what he was doing. He gave the goal, why did he give it?
"I don’t know why VAR was getting involved, he said ‘goal’, you can look on the video if you want."
