Linesman who told Manchester City stars to thank fans is dropped

The linesman who told Manchester City players to show their gratitude to their travelling supporters has been dropped from tonight's FA Cup replay between West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers.

John Brooks was seen on television cameras shaking hands with Joleon Lescott and telling him to "go and see" the supporters that paid £62 to watch their team beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates on Sunday.

The Professional Game Match Officials have claimed that the reason behind Brooks's withdrawal is the amount of publicity that surrounded the assistant referee after the game, according to The Guardian.

Reports have also claimed that the organisation was concerned that Brooks would be unsettled by the attention.