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The Football Association (FA) has announced that referee John Brooks will no longer officiate the Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City this weekend.
Brooks, 34, sustained a minor injury in the lead-up to the clash and is unable to referee the fixture. Premier League match official Jarred Gillett will replace him.
Initially, Jarred Gillett was set to be the fourth official at Wembley this weekend but has now been promoted to referee the match. Sam Barrott will take over Gillett’s original role on the touchline.
For both Manchester United and Manchester City, this fixture marks the start of their seasons, with the first silverware of the campaign up for grabs.
The Community Shield traditionally features the winners of the Premier League and the FA Cup holders.
Manchester City secured the Premier League title for a record fourth consecutive year, fending off a challenge from Arsenal on the final day of the season.
If City had defeated United at Wembley a week later, they would have faced Arsenal in the Community Shield, as Arsenal finished runners-up in the Premier League.
However, goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo helped Manchester United secure a 2-1 victory at Wembley Stadium.
While the result of this weekend’s match will not jeopardize the positions of either manager, it provides both sets of fans with the opportunity to see their teams in competitive action for the first time in the 2024/25 campaign.
There have been no further changes to the rest of the officiating team. Adrian Holmes and Nick Greenhalgh are named as assistants.
At Stockley Park, Peter Bankes will serve as the video assistant referee, supported by Sian Massey-Ellis and Tim Robinson.
The Community Shield serves as a traditional curtain-raiser for the English football season, giving fans a taste of competitive action before the Premier League kicks off.
Both teams will be eager to make a strong start and claim the first trophy of the new season, setting the tone for the battles to come.
Manchester United and Manchester City fans alike will be keen to see how their teams perform in this early test.
With new signings potentially featuring and tactical plans being unveiled, the match promises to be an intriguing spectacle. As always, the officiating team will play a crucial role in ensuring the game is conducted fairly and smoothly.
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