Ref Clattenburg dropped...over an Ed Sheeran concert
English Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has been axed from this weekend's round of top flight matches after he breached protocol - to attend an Ed Sheeran concert.
Various media outlets in the UK reported that the 39-year-old drove to Newcastle on his own after West Brom's 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace to attend the pop star's gig.
He broke a referee body rule that states that match officials must travel together to and from a stadium in order to maintain their integrity and security.
Clattenburg, who is considered one of England's top referee, also fell afoul of another Premier League regulation by speaking to Palace boss Neil Warnock on the phone after the match.
Regulations dictate that all match officials must be present during any conversation with a club manager.
Source: BBC, The Guardian
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