NFL replaces ref for having Saints allegiance

The NFL on Sunday morning replaced a referee assigned to the New Orleans Saints-Carolina Panthers game after his Facebook page appeared to show him as an ardent Saints fan.

Brian Stropolo, who was set to work as the side judge Sunday in Charlotte, was pulled from the crew. He was replaced by an unidentified alternate referee who traveled with the officials.

The NFL is in the midst of a lockout with its referees. Stropolo was hired as a replacement referee prior to the preseason.

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