BANNED ref Darren Drysdale is being handed a low-key return to action as fourth official at Scunthorpe on Saturday.

Drysdale was suspended after being found guilty of improper conduct during a heated clash with Ipswich midfielder Alan Judge last month.

He is free to start work again but is being sent to Scunthorpe's League Two relegation home game against Southend United where he won't even be on the pitch.

An FA disciplinary panel heard that Judge called Drysdale a 'cheating bald c***' as they locked heads during Ipswich's match against Northampton on February 16.

Judge disputes that account strongly and says his club has audio footage to prove his did not swear or lable Drysdale a cheat.

Drysdale, 49, admitted losing his composure in the incident but maintained the abuse he received that night was 'the worst ever' in his officiating career.

He still received a ban that was backdated to February 19 and ran until March 10.

The trip to Scunthorpe will be his first game since the episode in the 90th minute of a goalless draw at Portman Road.

The two men squared up after Drysdale booked Judge for simulation instead of awarding him a penalty.

The Football Association have warned Drysdale about his future conduct.

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And a visit to Glanford Park where he will be kept out of direct contact with players as much as possible is seen as the best way of easing the controversial official back into the fold.

Both teams have plenty on the line Saturday with Essex side Southend desperate for points as they look to avoid relegation to the National League.

Scunthorpe are also at risk of being dragged in as they sit 18th.

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