Referee Mark Clattenburg has not been picked to officiate in any Premier League matches this weekend due to an ongoing investigation by the Football Association.
The 37-year-old has been accused by Chelsea of using "inappropriate language", which is believed to have been of a racial nature, to midfielder John Obi Mikel during the Blues' 3-2 defeat to Manchester United a fortnight ago.
The general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, Mike Riley, said: "PGMOL was fully prepared to appoint Mark to matches this weekend.
"However, having discussed this with him, we both consider that it is in Mark's best interests that he has this week away from officiating duties while he prepares to help the FA and police with their enquiries."
Reports have claimed that Clattenburg referred to Mikel as a "monkey" after booking him for dissent during the league contest.
