Derby County manager Nigel Pearson has been suspended by the club and will not be in charge of the team for Tuesday’s Championship match at Cardiff City.
decision was taken pending a club investigation into Pearson’s behaviour and he is not expected to return as boss.
The Rams have not won in six league matches and are third from bottom, having scored just three goals.
Assistant manager Chris Powell will take control of the side in Wales.
A statement on Derby’s website read: “Nigel Pearson will not be carrying out his duties at Tuesday’s game at the request of the club.
“The club will make no further comment at this time.”
Former Leicester City manager Pearson only took over in the summer – an appointment chairman Mel Morris described as “perfect” – but Derby have won just once from nine Championship matches so far this season.
Pearson openly criticised the players following Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by fellow strugglers Blackburn Rovers, saying his side were “paralysed with fear”.
Morris told the players of the decision at 16:30 BST, just over three hours before the scheduled kick-off at the Cardiff City Stadium.
