Lee Mason is re-hired by PGMOL despite huge error in Arsenal game last season

Lee Mason, the blundering referee who stepped down after a spectacular VAR error, has been re-hired - to train referees.

Refs’ body PGMOL have turned to the official, who rapidly departed the organisation after failing to spot an offside in the build-up to Brentford’s equaliser against Arsenal in February, to coach others, Mail Sport understands.

Mason, 51, came under heavy criticism after the Bees went on to collect a point at the Emirates against the then title-chasing Gunners.

He was not selected as a VAR the following weekend and days later it was confirmed that he had ‘departed the organisation by mutual consent’.

But now Mason, from Bolton, has been brought back into the fold. He will work with officials at Premier League, EFL and Women’s Super League level but will operate specifically on Leagues One and Two. He will not work on VAR.

The move has not gone down well with former referee Keith Hackett, who said: ‘The guy who did not set the world alight in the middle but was a survivor and an abject failure in the VAR role will be advising and passing on his skill sets to others.’

Mason’s rehiring is one of a number of moves by PGMOL as they seek to improve support for officials under new boss Howard Webb.

For the first time they have employed ‘football insights coaches’ which include former Ipswich star Chris Kiwomya and ex FA development coach Ifran Kawri. Former referee Andre Marriner will also provide support.

Meanwhile, managers including ex-Rangers boss Mark Warburton and former MK Dons chief Karl Robinson have delivered sessions in recent months.

Following Mason’s blunder, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the error as ‘unacceptable’.

Prior to his departure, Mason had been a Premier League referee for 15 years, overseeing 287 top flight matches.