Reed replaced after incident

CONTROVERSIAL referee Mike Reed refused to be drawn on the decision by the Premier League to replace him for the Chelsea-Leicester match at Stamford Bridge next month.

The Birmingham official hit the headlines when he awarded Chelsea a highly debatable late penalty in last week's FA Cup fifth round tie between the same clubs which enabled the London side to secure a 1-0 victory.

Reed's decision incensed the Leicester fans and his car, which also contained members of his family, was attacked at traffic lights in London on the way home.

On Monday police expressed reservations about the wisdom of Reed being allowed to referee the return clash on April 19th because of fears for his safety.

It led to the Football Association saying it was "likely" that Reed would be replaced if a request was made by the police.

But it was the Premier League which took the decision to axe Reed.

A statement read: "The FA Premier League have decided to appoint a replacement for Mike Reed for the Chelsea-Leicester City game in April.

"The decision has been taken after careful consideration of the various factors involved and in consultation with the appropriate interested parties."

Meanwhile, the controversial soccer phone-in presenter Danny Baker has been dropped by the BBC after he "encouraged unacceptable behaviour towards a referee" on his radio programme which following the Chelsea-Leicester match.

After Reed awarded Chelsea the penalty Baker told listeners that "most referees deserved a slap round the face."

Yesterday BBC News chiefs said Baker's Radio 5 Live programme had become too offensive to callers who he persistently abused and to listeners who he enticed to be offensive.

Baker responded by rejecting the offer to continue with his Saturday lunchtime programme after being dropped from his Wednesday night slot.

David Elleray, the Premier League's referee's spokesman, refused to comment on the BBC's decision but admitted: "Many people within the game, not just referees, were very disappointed with the comments made and were concerned over the possible actions they might provoke."