Fans have reacted furiously to news that Anthony Taylor will take charge of Saturday's Manchester derby at the Etihad stadium.
Taylor comes from Wythenshawe, an area of Manchester closely associated with Manchester United.
The 40-year-old is FIFA listed and regularly officiates Premier League matches and Champions League games.
'I'm gobsmacked,' Kevin Parker, general secreatry of the Manchester City Supporters' Group, told The Telegraph. 'I don't know why the Premier League and PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Ltd - the referees' governing body) would leave themselves open to all the flak that is bound to follow his appointment.
'This appointment smacks of people who have either no understanding of football rivalry or just sheer arrogance in ignoring the fact he is Manchester-born.
'Somewhere along the line he will have family who will support either City or United. Why put the referee in this position?
'There are 16 PGMOL referees I believe and only one born in Manchester. So why select him? It beggars belief and I hope we are still not talking about him on Sunday evening.'
Taylor will also officiate Crystal Palace's clash with Bournemouth on Tuesday.