Derby County have suspended manager Nigel Pearson just hours before their game against Cardiff.
Press Association Sport reports the suspension is pending an internal investigation by the Championship club.
The move follows a meeting between Pearson and Derby owner and chairman Mel Morris at the club's training ground on Monday, with the Rams releasing a statement shortly before their league fixture at Cardiff on Tuesday.
"Derby County can confirm that manager Nigel Pearson will not be carrying out his duties at tonight's game at the request of the club,'' the statement read.
Club Statement: https://t.co/Yuv0XkXTFF pic.twitter.com/nBPbAgJbRU
- Derby County (@dcfcofficial) September 27, 2016
"Assistant manager Chris Powell will take charge of the team for this evening's Championship match at Cardiff City. The club will make no further comment at this time.''
Former Leicester City boss Pearson has struggled since being appointed Derby manager in May, with his side currently sitting 22nd in the Championship and having picked up just one league win from nine games this season.