We didn't know that liking Ed Sheeran was a crime, but apparently for football referees, it is.
Premier League ref Mark Clattenburg has been suspended from this weekend's matches after two breaches of protocol. Shortly after refereeing Crystal Palace against West Brom on Saturday afternoon, he drove alone from the midlands up to Newcastle to watch Ed Sheeran in concert. The referee body, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, say that officials - the referee, his two assistants and the fourth official - must travel to and from the ground together for their own security and to maintain integrity.
In addition, he spoke to Palace manager Neil Warnock on the phone after the game - presumably to explain his decision to give West Brom a last minute penalty, which they scored to claim a 2-2 draw. Again, this is outlawed, as all officials must be present during a conversation with a manager.
Oh well, at least he's now free to pop up to Glasgow on Friday night to watch him again.
(Image: Getty/Rex)
[via BBC]
