What is Mark Clattenburg’s new role in Saudi Arabia and is he finished in the Premier League? Background, earnings, tattoos and all you need to know about the referee
MARK CLATTENBURG has announced that he is quitting the Premier League for Saudi Arabia but he will boss three or four more games before he bows out
England's best referee had previously refused to rule out going abroad but his move from England has now been confirmed.
Here we tell you everything you need to know about the man in the middle...
Why is Mark Clattenburg moving to Saudi Arabia?
Rumours have linked Clattenburg with a move to China for several months, but it is the Saudi Arabians who have won the race for England’s top official.
SunSport told you how the top-flight referee was sick of not getting support from the officials’ governing body.
A statement from Professional Game Match Officials Limited said: “The PGMOL would like to wish Mark Clattenburg well as he prepares for his move to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
“Since joining the PGMO Select Group in 2004, Mark developed into one of our top officials, refereeing at the highest level and setting standards for others to follow.
“Mark is a talented referee, he has been a great asset to the English game and hopefully an inspiration to those who want to get into refereeing at the grass roots of the game.
“We understand this is an exciting opportunity for Mark as well as further underlining what high esteem English match officials are held throughout the world game.”
What is Mark Clattenburg’s new role in Saudi Arabia?
Clattenburg's new job will see him head up the team of referees in Saudi Arabia.
It is not yet known if he will referee himself.
Until recently, former Premier League referee Howard Webb had been director of referees for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
Webb left to join Major League Soccer in the US, and lead the development of video technology for on-field officials.
How old is Mark Clattenburg? Where is he from?
The ref was born on March 13, 1975, so he's currently 41 years old.
He was born in Consett, Durham.
Clattenburg now lives just over 15 miles away in Gosforth, just outside of Newcastle.
What team does Mark Clattenburg support?
Clattenburg is a Newcastle United fan.
He has never refereed a match featuring either Toon or their fierce rivals Sunderland.
Did Mark Clattenburg play pro football? How did he start refereeing?
Mark Clattenburg never played football as a professional.
He took up reffing in 1990 as part of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and became an assistant in the Northern League aged just 18.
By 1999 he was an assistant in the Football League, while taking charge of games in the Conference.
He made his Premier League debut in 2004, taking the whistle for Everton against Crystal Palace in August.
What are Mark Clattenburg’s most controversial decisions?
One of Clattenburg's most controversial mistakes came in 2005 when he failed to spot that Pedro Mendes' effort for Tottenham was spilled over the goal line by then Man Utd keeper Roy Carroll - albeit from some distance away.
It was alleged that during a game between Man City and Bolton in 2009 that Clattenburg asked the City bench: "How do you work with Craig Bellamy all week"... before sending off the Welshman for a pair of yellows.
In October 2016 he was cleared of using "inappropriate language" towards Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel during a clash with Man Utd.
Southampton made a complaint in December 2013 that Clattenburg has insulted Adam Lallana.
Saints claimed that the ref said: "You are very different now, since you've played for England - you never used to be like this." No further action was taken.
He was dropped for a game in October 2014 following a Palace game for phoning manager Neil Warnock and for travelling from the fixture alone - which goes against Premier League rules.
The ref claimed he was shooting off to an Ed Sheeran concert.
What are the biggest matches Mark Clattenburg has refereed?
- 2012 Football League Cup Final
- 2012 Olympics men's final
- 2013 FA Community Shield
- 2014 UEFA Super Cup
- 2016 FA Cup Final
- 2016 UEFA Champions League Final
- 2016 UEFA Euro Final
How much did Mark Clattenburg earn in the Premier League?
Referees are paid an annual retainer plus additional match fees and expenses.
In 2015, Clattenburg pocketed £150,200 - that's more than then Prime Minister David Cameron.
But we can assume that he will be earning a lot more now after his big move to the Middle East.
What tattoos does Mark Clattenburg have?
Clattenburg had a big year in 2016, bossing the FA, Champions League and Euro 2016 finals.
He celebrated the achievement by getting tattoos representing the latter two whilst on holiday in Spain.
These are covered up when he's refereeing as he wears long-sleeved shirts.
Is Mark Clattenburg married?
Clattenburg is divorced from his wife, Helen, with whom he lived in Chester-le-Street.
They had one son during the marriage.
Has Mark Clattenburg had a hair transplant?
It's well known that Clattenburg had a hair transplant. In fact, he was the face of an advertising campaign for doing so in 2011.
The ad had the memorable - and cringe-worthy - line: "The hardest decision to make is to pick up the phone and make that call. But I did it and it changed my life."