John Brooks was the linesman for the Arsenal v Man City football match on 13/1/12. As the cost of watching football has all but priced out the common fan , Man City supporters did not fill their allocation of tickets - deciding enough was enough and that an entrance charge of £62 is a step too far. Those that did attend witnessed their team win the match and after the game John Brooks said to a Man City player "they've paid £62, go see them" - correctly reminding that players demonstrating appreciation for those that break the bank to support their beloved team would be a nice gesture (a gesture regularly forgotten). As a common fan regularly struggling to afford watching football , I applaud the sentiment of this comment. The player didnt respond, i suspect he knew it was a fair remark. However, Mr Brooks has now been removed from his next match and will not be officiating this weekend. This is a disgrace - I'm asking football supporters to unite behind common sense and remind the powers that be that the gentleman's game is being stolen from us and the ever increasing greed is removing us from our game. Football for the people. To the Premier League and The FA : Do Not punish John Brooks.

Footage of incident: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/sportvideo/footballvideo/9799900/Linesman-tells-Manchester-City-players-to-thank-fans-who-paid-62-for-Arsenal-ticket.html

News of his suspension:

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/official-who-urged-lescott-to-applaud-62-city-fans-axed-from-fa-cup-duty-8451583.html

Please note , I WILL be ensuring that The Premier League and The FA see this petition. For updates follow @Savethelinesman on twitter. Please share the petition address with twitter etc , we can change this together.