Mike Reed has become the latest Premiership referee to fall foul of the authorities when he was asked to explain why he greeted a Liverpool goal at Anfield on Saturday with a clenched-fist salute.

The Premier League has asked the Birmingham official to submit a written report. Reed has publicly admitted making the gesture seconds after Patrik Berger scored Liverpool's second goal in the 3-1 win over Leeds United.

Reed insisted yesterday he was definitely not a Liverpool fan, that his actions were instinctive and that he was doing no more than congratulating himself on a sound piece of judgment.

"Yes, it is true, I did punch the air, but I wasn't doing it in celebration of the goal but in triumph as I had allowed Liverpool to play on after they could have been awarded a free-kick," said Reed.

"Vladimir Smicer was fouled in the build-up to the goal but as he still managed to get away I decided to play an advantage.

"He went on to pass the ball to Berger, who scored. I didn't raise my arm or anything like that. My fist was clenched but it was down at my side. I was simply pleased with myself for having made what turned out to be the right decision."

Although Reed admitted it was an unorthodox form of celebration which he would not seek to repeat, he said he was "comfortable" with his actions.

Meanwhile, a woman will officiate in a major Wembley cup final for the first time this month. Wendy Toms is to run the line in the English League Cup final between Leicester City and Tranmere Rovers on February 27th.

Alan Wilkie, from Chester-le-Street, will take charge of the final.

Meanwhile, only 14 weeks after a double fracture of the right leg, Celtic's Henrik Larsson is now counting the days to resuming his career. His recovery has been described by medical experts as "little short of miraculous".