Credit: Imago

Daniel Davis

Thu 9 April 2026 7:40, UK

Keith Hackett says the PGMOL likely took legal advice over allegations facing an assistant referee set to run the line during Leeds United‘s trip to Manchester United.

Official Richard West is accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague in his other role as a police officer, according to the Daily Mail.

However, West, who works as a sergeant with Humberside Police, wasn’t stood down for Chelsea’s FA Cup quarter-final victory against Port Vale at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

With no final decision made by the PGMOL, the body responsible for refereeing games in England, the 51-year-old is likely to be retained as a linesman at Old Trafford on Monday.

In light of the allegations, Hackett has detailed the steps the PGMOL would have taken before making a final decision on the individual’s involvement in the Premier League match.

PGMOL likely sought advice over Richard West

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Hackett, the former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee, believes the body concluded that standing him down would have been “inappropriate”.

“Richard West is on the payroll of the PGMOL and subject to employment law and will have hopefully made the PGMOL aware of his situation in his role in the Police,” he said.

“The board of the PGMOL, aware of the situation with West, are likely to have taken legal and HR advice on this matter.

“They must also consider if his suspension from the police force is impacting on West’s performances in his high-profile role of assistant referee at top Premier League games.

“Clearly, after taking legal advice, they have come to the conclusion that taking him off Premier League games would be inappropriate.”

West will now face a five-day hearing later this month to answer the claims of gross misconduct, and his long-term position as an official remains uncertain.

As a result, Hackett believes taking him out of the spotlight would have been beneficial.

“I frankly would have discussed a period away from the game without any financial loss until the outcome of the Police matter is resolved,” he added.

“I do not want officials going into Premier League games with a potential distraction now that the matter is public knowledge. It’s not an easy decision, but one I would have taken.”

What are the next steps?

According to The Sun, West, who has acted as an assistant referee in “hundreds” of professional matches, was stood down from public duties by Humberside Police.

Despite this, the FA and PGMOL allowed him to continue in his role running the line, leading him to bank around £60,000 since the allegations were first made.

The PGMOL, responsible for allocating officials to matches, will remain informed over West’s upcoming hearing, but are said to have held discussions over the situation.

For now, West remains listed for Leeds’ crucial trip to Manchester United.