MARK CLATTENBURG WILL not take charge of a Premier League game this weekend after reports he travelled alone to West Brom’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend in order to make it home in time for an Ed Sheeran gig.
It is alleged that Clattenburg made his way to the Hawthorns alone last weekend in order to see the singer perform in the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.
Under Premier League rules, match officials, together with their assistants, must arrive at the ground together not less than two hours before kick off in order to protect the security and integrity of the game.
Clattenburg, widely regarded as the Premier League’s top referee, is also alleged to have spoken on the phone to Neil Warnock in his car after the game. The Crystal Palace manager claimed on TV after the game that his goalkeeper Julian Speroni had been “assaulted” during the 2-2 draw.
Under Premier League rules, referees can only speak to managers when their assistants are present or when given permission by their governing body.
