Former referee Mark Clattenburg bizarrely takes credit for one of Premier League’s most infamous celebrations

MARK CLATTENBURG has taken credit for Emmanuel Adebayor's infamous celebration against Arsenal.

The former Manchester City striker's antics against his old club are one of the most iconic moments in Premier League history.

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Adebayor had made the switch from the Gunners to City just three months earlier when he scored in September 2009.

In celebration, the forward sprinted the length of the pitch before knee sliding in front of the travelling Arsenal fans at the Etihad Stadium.

With his arms outstretched, it provided an infamous piece of Premier League history.

However, Clattenburg has now bizarrely taken some of the credit for the celebration after being the man in charge that day.

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The former referee has detailed how he played advantage for a foul in the build-up to Adebayor's headed goal.

Writing in his column, he explained: "I cautioned Adebayor for inciting that small riot, of course, but it is amusing to think that infamous celebration might never have happened were it not for what I decided to do seconds earlier.

"Shaun Wright-Phillips had been fouled by Gael Clichy over on the right wing. My assistant had flagged for the foul but I signalled for the advantage to be played. 

"Wright-Phillips got up off the ground, crossed the ball, and Adebayor headed it beyond Manuel Almunia before all hell broke loose."

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Adebayor's goal was his fourth in as many Premier League matches for City after making a prolific start to his time at the club.

The former Togo international went on to score 19 goals in 45 appearances for City.

Meanwhile, Clattenburg's refereeing career saw him officiate 291 Premier League fixtures.

He also took charge of the FA Cup, Champions League and Euros final before retiring in 2019.

The 49-year-old is now back in football, though, after taking up a role with Nottingham Forest.

Clattenburg was hired as a referee analyst by Forest back in February.

He has since been working in the role alongside appearing as a referee on the BBC series Gladiators.

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