English referee Mark Clattenburg, one of the most controversial in the sport, will not officiate any games this weekend. What was referred to as an "internal matter", has been revealed to be a suspension for breaking a series of rules regarding the ref's behavior off the pitch.
Clattenburg travelled in his own car to officiate the West Bromwich vs Crystal Palace match in order to get back to Newcastle in time to see an Ed Sheeran concert last Saturday. Premier League regulations require the referee and his assistants to travel together for security purposes.
Furthermore, Clattenburg broke another rule when he talked through his cell phone with Crystal Palace's manager Neil Warnock. While referees are allowed to speak with coaches after a game they have officiated, they must do this with every assistant present, so the matter is suspicion-free.
This is not the first time Clattenburg has been suspended from his duties. Back in 2008, the ref was sacked by the Premier League's refereeing body for alleged business debts. After eight months without officiating any games, he was reinstated.
