Why the referee for the Community Shield between Man City and Man Utd has been changed - explained

The FA issued a statement on Thursday, in which they announced that Brooks would not be taking charge of this weekend's traditional season curtain-raiser between Manchester United and Manchester City. Gillett will instead take charge of the game, having been promoted from his originally slated role of fourth official.

Per the FA's statement, Brooks has sustained a minor injury and will not be fit to referee the game. Gillett has instead stepped in and will be in the middle for the Manchester derby. Sam Barrott will replace Gillett as the fourth official.

Gillett has refereed four Manchester United matches in total, and has also refereed City four times. He has never handed out a red card in those games, but has brandished 11 yellow cards.

The Manchester derby will take place this weekend at Wembley. Then, United face Fulham in their opening Premier League game on August 16, while City play Chelsea two days later.