7 Aug 2008Red card for Clattenburg

Football Finance News | Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has been suspended while rumours of alleged debts are investigated.

Mr Clattenburg, one of the league's elite referees, was suspended by the Football Association (FA) and Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) after allegations emerged linking him to debts of companies.

A statement from the two organisations said that he would not officiate any matches while enquiries are looking into reports.

Mr Clattenburg was due to officiate this weekend's charity shield clash between Manchester United and Portsmouth, but Peter Walton has not been drafted in as a replacement.

A spokesman for PGMO told the BBC that they hoped to resolve the matter quickly and said the decision was taken in the "best interests" of both Mr Clattenburg and the game.

The reports follow calls from the FA to encourage their respect campaign before the start of the new season.

Chairman Lord Triesman has warned managers that referees have increased power to send them to the stands.

Club captains will also be called to meetings before kick-off to be instructed on the management of games.

The use of television screens within dugouts has also been banned.

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