Linesman Darren Cann has been relieved from FA Cup duties at Selhurst Park this weekend for the clash against Manchester City, after the Football Association was made aware of his previous allegiance to the Eagles.
Cann, who moved on to a life of officiating, played for Palace’s youth teams in the late 1980’s and was due to be assisting referee Mike Jones during the FA Cup clash against Pep Guardiola’s side.
The linesman will be replaced by Mick McDonough who was due to be assisting the referee in Tottenham’s fourth round tie against Wycombe Wanderers, where Cann will now instead be assigned.
Born in Norwich, Cann later joined Crystal Palace’s academy, but failed to make a first team appearance for the club. His journey into the first team was blocked by the likes of Ian Wright and John Salako.
This is not the first time that Cann has been removed from officiating duties, as he was part of Howard Webb’s team which was due to referee Palace’s Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Bristol City.
