BOBBY MADLEY will referee his first Premier League match in four-and-a-half years this weekend.
The 37-year-old, who was sacked by the Professional Game Match Official Limited [PGMOL] in August 2018 for gross misconduct on grounds of discrimination, will be in charge of Brentford’s home clash with Wolves, according to the Prem’s official website.
Madley later revealed he was axed by the PGMOL after filming a video appearing to mock a disabled person which was shared with his employer.
He relocated to Norway where he officiated in the lower leagues.
But Madley returned to referee in England in 2020 and he has officiated 13 games this season as a Select Group Two ref in the EFL Cup, Championship, League One and Two.
His last top-flight game was Everton’s 1-0 win over Newcastle in April 2018. Madley was fast-tracked to Select Group One in 2013.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Following his sacking by the PGMOL, Madley said: “I’m not proud of myself. I have to live with this for the rest of my life.
“It destroyed my career, my reputation and caused immeasurable damage to my family life.
“I have learned from this and feel I am a better and stronger person for it.
“[The] PGMOL dealt with what they considered a discriminatory act in the strongest way.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
“There can be no criticism for that and I have never sought to do anything other than respect the decision and to learn from it as a person.”
Madley’s return will also make Prem history as two brothers will officiate in the top flight on the same weekend for the first time.
Older brother Andy, 39, will referee Brighton’s home match with Chelsea.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
