Mark Clattenburg stunned the footballing world this week as news broke that he could leave the Premier League before the next round of fixtures. Now that news has been confirmed.
Apparently Mark Clattenburg is set to to quit the #PremierLeague. pic.twitter.com/Mv1BrUzfuw
— Marathonbet (@marathonbet) February 16, 2017
The official is thought to be fed up with the higher-ups, with rumours resurfacing that he could trade in his current gig for a move to the Chinese Super League. However, it was confirmed today that he had taken a gig in Saudi Arabia.
Statement on Clattenburg move to Saudi Arabia pic.twitter.com/Tl529Y91Hf Can understand any ref taking an offer like that. Thankless job in PL
— Oliver Kay (@OliverKayTimes) February 16, 2017
According to The Sun, Clattenburg is concerned about a lack of support from Professional Game Match Officials Limited and asked to be let go from his contract before Christmas.
That didn’t materialise, but things appear to have come to a head this week and he may be gone between now and the next round of Premier League fixtures on February 25.
Considering the response the popular referee got when people learned of his tattoos, fans were always going to be devastated to learn that he could be on his way out.
When you hear that Mark Clattenburg is set to quit the #PremierLeague. pic.twitter.com/sXX2Ls1viv
— Chanandler Bong (@gould92) February 16, 2017
Thanks fuck Clattenburg is leaving the EPL
— Kirk Lazarus (@GjorgjinhoLAD) February 16, 2017
Mark Clattenburg leaving the Premier League to referee in China pic.twitter.com/RhD5B5rwNq
— Ashley (@Ash_DC_) February 16, 2017
People were gutted to see suggestions the Premier League could lose a man who has – in their view – only ever cared about the greater good of the competition.
We all know Mark Clattenburg loves himself & it's all about him
1) He will turn up as a ref in China ?????
2) Next season of I'm a Celeb
— Mark Williams (@MWmagic) February 16, 2017
When you read Mark Clattenburg won't referee in England again! #cpfc #itsallaboutyou pic.twitter.com/ZZdlgemWW6
— Michael Johnson (@MichaelCPFC) February 16, 2017
There may well be a national day of mourning if and when he goes to China.
"Mark Clattenburg is set to quit the Premier League, with reports suggesting that a move away could be finalised by next weekend." pic.twitter.com/J632uR2OWS
— HLTCO (@HLTCO) February 16, 2017
Mark Clattenburg is quitting as a premier league referee. pic.twitter.com/5JqOOXXOZj
— Sam Allardyce (@CPFCAllardyce) February 16, 2017
He has always been seen as a model of consistency, living up to the old adage that the best referees are those you don’t notice during a game.
Good riddance Mark Clattenburg.. you think you can be more important than the players, you want fame, Chinese league is perfect for you!
— GardenerJames™ (@HickmottJ) February 16, 2017
He’s a man who has never had his favourites, making him popular with supporters of all clubs in the Premier League.
A smarmy, preening, big-club-first-name-basis knobhead of a referee who repeatedly made decisions that favoured bigger clubs. Fuck him.
— Robert Sutherland (@RoDuSu) February 16, 2017
Some fans want him to remain closer to home, of course.
I hope Mark Clattenburg goes on I'm A Celebrity and gets eaten by some massive dinosaur.
— Les (@Le5JMelt) February 16, 2017
He’ll be missed.
Off you go Clattenburg you egotistical pompous cunt
— Dàlly (@JohnStonezz) February 16, 2017