Today’s game between Manchester City and Blackpool is to be officiated by controversial Premier League referee, Mark Clattenburg. Deep joy – NOT!
I’m not sure if anyone has noticed but Mark Clattenburg certainly likes to hand out cards like confetti. In addition, it appears wherever he goes controversy generally follows.
Clattenburg Card Tally 2010
So far this season Mark Clattenburg has refereed 20 matches, 14 of which have been in the Premier League. The remaining six have been European games. He has shown his yellow card 64 times and sent off three players.
Now I appreciate he can only referee a match the way he sees it but there are several high profile people out there who seem to think Clattenburg is nothing more than a clown.
For example Harry Redknapp said following a Clattenburg cock-up…
‘Mark Clattenburg is responsible for one of the worst refereeing decisions EVER.’
His remarks followed a decision Clattenburg made when Manchester United’s Nani famously handled the ball against Tottenham at the end of October 2010 then went on to score.
‘Mark Clattenburg has made a right cock-up and he knows it himself. I know he`s said to people he should have blown his whistle and given a free-kick. The refs will stick together on this but it’s not right – they know a real mess was made of this situation.’
Harry continued…
‘Everybody in the world has seen it for themselves. All the referee had to do was blow his whistle; book Nani for handball and it resolves the situation.’
We can only hope and pray Mr Clattenburg stayed well clear of the loopy juice last night.
City v Blackpool
Today’s assistants are Jake Collin and Mick McDonough while the fourth official is Tony Bates.
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