PGMOL ‘re-hire referee’ who stepped down after alarming error punished Arsenal

The PGMOL have re-hired Lee Mason into a new role (Image: GETTY) Lee Mason has been re-appointed by the PGMOL six months after he stepped down following a shocking VAR error last season. It is claimed the former Premier League official will now train referees. Mason hit the headlines for the wrong reasons in February. He was on VAR duty for Arsenal ‘s home Premier League match against Brentford . He failed to spot an offside in the build-up to Brentford’s equaliser in the 74th minute after appearing to forget to draw the VAR lines on the screen. The Bees went on to draw the game which led to a furious reaction from Arsenal and their manager Mikel Arteta. Mason was taken off VAR duty the following weekend before it was announced that he had mutually left the organisation. However, he now appears to be back. The Mail says that Mason has been re-hired into a different role. He will now train referees, working with officials at Premier League, EFL and Women’s Super League level. However, it is stated that he will operate specifically on Leagues One and Two. Mason will not be returning to VAR in any capacity. It is claimed the move is an attempt from the PGMOL to seek to improve officials. Howard Webb was appointed the chief refereeing officer of the PGMOL last August. Mason had officiated in the Premier League for 15 years, covering 287 matches in the top flight. But the decision to give him a new job has not gone down well with another former referee. Keith Hackett tweeted: “The guy who did not set the world alight in the middle but was a survivor and was an abject failure in the VAR role will be advising and passing in his skill sets to others.” We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story. For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport Follow us on Twitter @DExpress_Sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time. We’re also on Facebook @DailyExpressSport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.