Referees' chief Keith Hackett has confirmed Rob Styles will not take charge of a match next weekend after his performance in the game between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield yesterday.
Styles controversially awarded Chelsea a penalty which enabled the Blues to equalise after Fernando Torres' opener, before causing confusion by brandishing a yellow card at Michael Essien — who had already been booked — but insisting it was John Terry being booked.
And Hackett, general manager of Professional Game Match Officials Limited, said: "Accountability exists and we, the PGMOL, do expect referees to get big decisions correct.
"On this occasion it was wrong and therefore Rob will not be officiating next weekend."
Hackett also revealed assistant referee Ian Gosling will be given next weekend off, after he denied Fulham a late goal at home to Middlesbrough when David Healy clearly forced the ball over the line.
The referees' supremo even apologised to Rafael Benitez and Lawrie Sanchez — Liverpool and Fulham manager respectively.
On Styles, Hackett added: "I spoke to Rob this morning and obviously he is extremely disappointed with the decision and admitted he got it wrong. I have left a message with Rafael Benitez to apologise.
"Having looked at a video and seen a better angle and a better view, clearly he (Styles) now recognises that he got it wrong and he's deeply apologetic for that. I think, in fact, he too will be making contact with Liverpool in order to offer his apologies."
Asked about the confusion when Essien appeared to be booked for a second time, Hackett said: "I'm informed by both the fourth official and Rob he retained the card shown to John Terry then held the card to indicate a direct free-kick, and failed to put the card away. So it was a basic, if you like, admin error as against an error in application of law.
"We'll look at the video to ensure we don't get a repeat of that."
Hackett also confirmed Gosling, who wrongly ruled Boro goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer prevented Healy's effort from crossing the line, will also be without a game this weekend.
"Clearly the assistant referee has made an error, so he won't be operating next week for us either."
