Lee Mason leaves PGMOL after Arsenal VAR error

Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have confirmed that Lee Mason has stepped down from his position in the wake of his VAR error in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brentford.

Mason attracted criticism after mistakenly allowing Ivan Toney’s equaliser to count against Arsenal, failing to identify an offside player during his role as the Video Assistant Referee – a mistake PGMOL later described as ‘human error’.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta dismissed the apology from PGMOL, instead describing Mason’s error as ‘not understanding your job’.

Now, after a mass meeting between all PGMOL officials, Mason’s departure has been confirmed.

“PGMOL can confirm that Video Assistant Referee Lee Mason has departed the organisation by mutual consent,” a statement read.

“Lee was a Premier League referee for 15 years and oversaw 287 top-flight matches during that time, with his last coming during the closing stages of the 2021/22 season. His full career in the professional game saw the 51-year-old officiate in over 500 fixtures after he progressed to the Football League in 1998.

“We would like to thank Lee for his dedicated service to the professional game and wish him all the best for the future.”

Mason had been removed from his initial match allocation following the mistake – the second time such a decision had been made after the 51-year-old made another costly error in Newcastle’s meeting with Crystal Palace back in September – but has now left the organisation altogether.

John Brooks, who was also guilty of a VAR error on the same day as Mason, will return as fourth official in Saturday’s early game between Aston Villa and Arsenal.