Man City vs Manchester United referee replaced days before Community Shield

The FA has confirmed that referee John Brooks shall no longer officiate the Community Shield between Manchester United and Manchester City this weekend.

Brooks, 34, has suffered a minor injury in the build-up to the clash in the capital and can no longer referee the fixture. Instead, he will be replaced by fellow Premier League match official Jarred Gillett.

Gillett was initially due to be the fourth official at Wembley this weekend but has now been promoted to the top job. He will be replaced by Sam Barrott on the touchline.

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For United and City, this fixture marks the opening of their seasons with the first silverware of the campaign on the line. The Community Shield traditionally pits the winners of the Premier League against the FA Cup holders.

City won the title for a record fourth consecutive year fending off the challenge of Arsenal on the final day of the season. Had they beaten United at Wembley a week later, the Blues would have been facing the Gunners in the Community Shield at the weekend thanks to them finishing runners-up in the Premier League.

However, goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo helped secure a 2-1 victory at Wembley Stadium. While neither manager will be in jeopardy based on the result this weekend, the match does provide both sets of fans the opportunity to see their teams in competitive action for the first time in the 2024/25 campaign.

No further changes have been made to the remainder of the officiating team with Adrian Holmes and Nick Greenhalgh named as assistants. Meanwhile at Stockley Park, Peter Bankes is the video assistant referee supported by Sian Massey-Ellis and Tim