Referee Reed reprimanded

Mike Reed will spend the remainder of his days as a Premiership referee on probation after being severely reprimanded by the Premier League for making a celebratory gesture after Liverpool scored against Leeds United last Saturday.

In a move designed to remind Premiership referees that they must remain detached during the course of matches under their control, the Birmingham official was warned that he would face further action if there was any repeat of such behaviour and he was also censured for commenting on the incident.

The Premier League also announced that Reed would not now be in charge of the televised league match between Everton and Newcastle United at Goodison Park on March 19.

Reed was upset by yesterday's verdict. "I am glad this is my final season," he said.

"I am disappointed by the reaction of the league. I felt I was right awarding the advantage rule but instead I have got a rollicking for it. I had already received a letter telling me to keep my emotions in check but then I was told the incident would be brought up at a meeting. The upshot of that meeting was that the chairman of the board wanted me to be suspended for three games."

Reed was seen to clench his fist in apparent delight after Patrik Berger had scored Liverpool's second goal in a 3-1 win. The official insisted he was congratulating himself for waving play on after Vladimir Smicer had been fouled in the build-up to the goal.

However, Reed's explanation was not convincing enough for the Premier League. "Having considered the available information, we have issued a reprimand and a warning to Mike Reed," said the Premier League spokesman Mike Lee.

"It is essential match officials do not make gestures which could lead to misinterpretation. The impartiality of our officials must not be open to question.

"It does not help when public comments are made by an official while the matter is still under consideration. Mr Reed has been warned to keep his emotions under control in future or face further action."

Reed is the second Premiership referee to be disciplined this year. Rob Harris is serving a one-month suspension after permitting Tranmere Rovers to play on with 11 men after hav ing a player sent off during an FA Cup tie against Sunderland.

With Arsenal far from flying, it is appropriate that Dennis Bergkamp is ready to start for the first time in 2 months against Liverpool tomorrow in a game that will have a crucial bearing on the Champions League shake-up.

Arsène Wenger yesterday stopped short of accepting that Bergkamp's absence had cost his side the title. But he knows the Dutchman, who scored in a friendly against Tottenham in midweek, has been sorely missed, particularly with Nwankwo Kanu at the African Nations Cup.

"We miss that kind of player at the moment," said the Arsenal manager, who also has Tony Adams available again. "He's a link between midfield and the strikers. To have him back is very important."

Terry Cooke has asked for a transfer from Manchester City. The former Manchester United winger has been a peripheral figure there this season.

The former Hull manager Terry Dolan has taken charge at York City. He replaces Neil Thompson, who left the club on Wednesday.

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