Premier League retain Richard West for Man Utd vs Leeds amid police probe
Assistant referee Richard West will officiate this weekend’s Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Leeds United despite facing a gross misconduct police hearing.
The 51-year-old official is set to run the line at Old Trafford as Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) opted against standing him down.
West is currently under investigation by Humberside Police over allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female employee.
A five-day disciplinary hearing regarding the alleged off-duty conduct is scheduled to begin on 27 April.
Allegations of inappropriate conduct
The police sergeant is accused of discreditable conduct between 2024 and 2025 involving a former colleague who was experiencing a personal crisis.
Following the end of an alleged off-duty relationship, the match official reportedly subjected the woman to unwanted contact, including phone messages and gifts.
He has subsequently been suspended from public-facing duties within the Humberside force pending the outcome of the forthcoming tribunal.
Should the gross misconduct allegations be upheld, he could face permanent dismissal from his part-time role in law enforcement.
Crucial fixture at Old Trafford
The PGMOL has confirmed they are actively monitoring the ongoing situation and its eventual legal outcome.
The off-field controversy overshadows a highly significant domestic match for both clubs at opposite ends of the top-flight table.
Manchester United currently sit third and are pushing to mathematically secure Champions League qualification for next season.
Conversely, the visiting Yorkshire side occupy 15th place and remain locked in a tense relegation battle with only four matches remaining.
