Because of the intense media speculation over the sexist remarks made against match official Sian Massey, the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) organisation have withdrawn her from this weekend's Corby Town v Eastwood Town fixture in the Blue Square Bet North league. The 25-year-old was the target of sexist remarks by the Sky Sports presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray last weekend, and after consulting with Massey, after Corby reported a huge demand for access by television crews, it was decided to withdraw her.

A PGMO spokesman said: "The focus needs to be on the football match not the officials. It would be unfair on the clubs involved."

The Premier League, who speak on behalf of the PGMO, refused to comment on whether there would be any financial loss for Massey after she was withdrawn from the second game this week - she had been due to be an assistant referee in the Crewe v Bradford match in midweek.

The managers of the clubs had had no issue with Massey being the referee - the Corby boss Graham Drury said this week: "We've had Sian before and she had a fantastic game.

"She stamps her authority on the game and she interacts with players well. We've got a top referee for this game. The sex of the person in the middle doesn't affect me. I don't mind whether it's a man, woman or even an elephant refereeing a game of mine - as long as they do it properly."