Premier League Assistant Referee Simon Bennett Suspended Over Alleged Inappropriate Behaviour

According to the Daily Mail Sport, a Premier League assistant referee has been suspended after allegedly behaving inappropriately towards a woman.

The assistant referee has been named as Simon Bennett. The married official, who earns £110,000 a year, has not officiated this season. An investigation has been launched after concerns were raised about his conduct.

The Sun quoted a source as saying: “Since he was suspended, he has shut down all of his social media accounts and has virtually disappeared.

“The investigation concerns inappropriate behaviour towards a woman.

“It has obviously come as a shock within refereeing circles because it goes against the standards expected of the job.

“Referees are expected to maintain high standards on the pitch, so people also expect the same of them away from football.

“But for now, we can only wait for the outcome of the investigation.”

ProRef, the body responsible for managing England’s elite referees and formerly known as PGMOL, declined to comment when contacted by Daily Mail Sport.

Bennett, 41, last served as an assistant referee on the final day of last season, when Manchester United won 3-0 away at Brighton. He has officiated in the Premier League since 2011 and was previously a teacher.

After becoming a FIFA referee in 2013, Bennett also officiated at Euro 2021 and the FA Cup final.