Controversial - that's the word that sums up Mark Clattenburg's Premier League career. The embattled referee now appears to have called it quits in England, and is looking for greener pastures in Saudi Arabia.
According to the BBC, the referee body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), described the English referee as a 'great asset' and 'an inspiration to those who want to get into refereeing' ahead of his expected move to the Middle East. The statement then added:
We understand this is an exciting opportunity for Mark, and it further underlines the high esteem for English match officials throughout the world game."
The Consett-born match official has found himself at the heart of refereeing controversies in the recent past He has always been under pressure to resign with most of his critics coming from a section of Premier League fans. But despite the pitfalls, he is still considered as one of the best referees in the world, if not the best. Last year, he officiated a number of key games including the finals of the Euro 2016 in France, the FA Cup and the Champions League.
Here is how the football world on Twitter reacted to his departure
Can #markclattenburg take #mikedean with him to Saudi Arabia? #craprefs
— the kids broke it (@Thekidsbrokeit) February 16, 2017
Mark Clattenburg has quit the Premiership and gone to Saudi Arabia. I can't wait for the video of his beheading for a wrong sending off. dg
— Dave Gold (@davidgoId_) February 16, 2017
With the news of Mark Clattenburg going to Saudi Arabia, I think Mike Dean should follow suit and go to Syria
— Cartlon Cole (@_CarltonCole9) February 16, 2017
Mark Clattenburg going to Saudi Arabia. What a day!
— Chelsea HQ (@Chelsea_HQ) February 16, 2017
Visions of Clattenburg in a Saudi hotel, chatting up a 21yr old woman, producing a Business Card from a holster
— GeorgeWeahsCousin (@WeahsCousin) February 16, 2017
'Mark Clattenburg, Referee'
When you read Mark Clattenburg won't referee in England again! #cpfc #itsallaboutyou pic.twitter.com/ZZdlgemWW6
— Michael Johnson (@MichaelCPFC) February 16, 2017
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