One of the Premier League’s top officials has been suspended for attending an Ed Sheeran concert.
Wait, what?
Mark Clattenburg has been suspended for this upcoming weekend’s matches after allegedly leaving the match between West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace to attend a concert by the UK’s favorite red-head Prince Harry Ed Sheeran.
[ RECAP: West Bromwich Albion 2-2 Crystal Palace ]
According to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, officials must travel to and from matches together for “integrity and security.”
Clattenburg reportedly travelled alone after the 2-2 draw between West Brom and Palace, leaving the match and heading straight for the Ed Sheeran concert.
[ RELATED: MLS suspends referee after arrest for fraud ]
The 39-year-old referee also allegedly spoke on the phone with Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock after the match, which would also be a breach of Premier League rules. The rules state officials may talk to managers only when their assistants are present or if they are given permission by the Professional Game Match Officials.
[ RELATED: Warnock says Chelsea players influenced referee ]
Warnock had criticized the referee for his performance in the match, saying his goalkeeper Julian Speroni was “assaulted,” but years of experience helped the manager bite his tongue before saying too much.I’ve had enough talking to the FA. I have not seen something like that since Bert Trautmann.
I can’t say anything about the referee or I get fined and I don’t want to because I thought he had a cracking game. But he made two or three really bad mistakes.”According to reports, Clattenburg spoke to Warnock on his way to the concert after the match. Maybe they were just meeting up for a pint before the big Sheeran gig?