Mark Clattenburg stunned the footballing world this week as news broke that he could leave the Premier League before the next round of fixtures.
https://twitter.com/marathonbet/status/832181955097657345
The Consett-born 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.
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.
https://twitter.com/gould92/status/832184471705239552
https://twitter.com/GjorgjinhoLAD/status/832182842016698369
https://twitter.com/Ash_DC_/status/832183670853152769
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.
https://twitter.com/MWmagic/status/832183953574477824
https://twitter.com/MichaelCPFC/status/832179743248244736
There may well be a national day of mourning if and when he goes to China.
https://twitter.com/HLTCO/status/832177824454811649
https://twitter.com/CPFCAllardyce/status/832177147972296704
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.
https://twitter.com/HickmottJ/status/832193230070484992
He's a man who has never had his favourites, making him popular with supporters of all clubs in the Premier League.
https://twitter.com/RoDuSu/status/832179670619738116
Some fans want him to remain closer to home, of course.
https://twitter.com/Le5JMelt/status/832176314715078656
He'll be missed.
https://twitter.com/JohnStonezz/status/832185019804299265
Catch up with this week's episode of 888sport Football Friday Live
