Mike Dean has requested not to take charge of a Premier League fixture this weekend.
The 52-year-old took the decision, after receiving abuse and death threats on social media over two controversial red cards.
Dean came under fire for sending off West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek in the final moments of their 0-0 draw with Fulham on Saturday.
That incident happened just four days after he sent off Southampton defender Jan Bednarek for a challenge on Anthony Martial in the Saints’ 9-0 thrashing at Manchester United.
Both decisions have been overturned on appeal.
In both cases Dean chose to give a red card, after being advised to view the incident on the pitchside monitor by the video assistant referee (VAR).
Dean’s family has also been targeted with social media abuse. All abuse has been reported to the police.
