These are the best of the jokes as top referee Mark Clattenburg moves to Saudi Arabia, quitting the Premier League to take up a role with the country’s Football Federation.
Set to become the new head of referees after the resignation of Howard Webb earlier this month, the familiar official is expected to leave for the Middle East before the next round of EPL fixtures.
After taking charge of the Euro 2016 final, Champions League final and FA Cup final last season, the 41-year-old will now reportedly be ‘working with Saudi referees to improve performance and professionalise the set-up,’ while also taking charge of ‘some’ league games.
This is a selection of the best jokes as Mark Clattenburg moves to Saudi Arabia, quitting the Premier League with immediate effect:
Mark Clattenburg is poised to QUIT the Premier League. He reveals all in February's 'Inside Refereeing'. pic.twitter.com/9bWMFI9Zqx
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) February 16, 2017
#ThatMomentWhen You hear Mark Clattenburg will be leaving the Premier League. 🎉 pic.twitter.com/w6IaKBkJt9
— SPORF (@Sporf) February 16, 2017
FAO Mark Clattenburg's tattoo artist: this is the logo for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation pic.twitter.com/OX1RwJA01T
— Nick Miller (@NickMiller79) February 16, 2017
How many Mark Clattenburg shirts will Saudi Arabia have to sell to pay off his wages?
— Mike Anstead (@mike_anstead) February 16, 2017
Visions of Clattenburg in a Saudi hotel, chatting up a 21yr old woman, producing a Business Card from a holster
'Mark Clattenburg, Referee'
— GeorgeWeahsCousin (@WeahsCousin) February 16, 2017
I've started a petition to try to get Mark Clattenburg to stay, if anyone would like to sign it pic.twitter.com/BLFsN8V3Jp
— Stuart Brennan (@StuBrennanMEN) February 16, 2017
With the news of Mark Clattenburg going to Saudi Arabia, I think Mike Dean should follow suit and go to Syria
— Cartlon Cole (@_CarltonCole9) February 16, 2017
Mark Clattenburg thinking about all the money he's going to make in Saudi Arabia…pic.twitter.com/E8lqTgmqSB
— TheODDSbible (@TheOddsBible) February 16, 2017
#Clattenburg memories: Warnock told me to guard his changing room for 20mins, only for it to be empty as he'd gone to see Ed Sheeran
— Jonathon Rogers (@JonnyRogers9) February 16, 2017
Mark Clattenburg hasn’t wasted any time getting a new tattoo to celebrate his big move pic.twitter.com/rvPhk435Ym
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) February 16, 2017
Clattenburg was just 22 cards off 1000 in the Premier League. 22 cards away from a limited edition Golden Card. Unfinished business.
— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) February 16, 2017
My new kit #saudi pic.twitter.com/L6JY0cAH9g
— Mark Clattenburg (@MarkClattnburg) February 16, 2017
Mark Clattenburg has quit the Premiership and gone to Saudi Arabia. I can't wait for the video of his beheading for a wrong sending off. dg
— Dave Gold (@davidgoId_) February 16, 2017
Mark Clattenburg to quit the Premier League after 12 seasons with Manchester United.
— HaveIGotNewsForYou (@haveigotnews) February 16, 2017
After his poor performance in the Arsenal game last weekend I expected Clattenburg to be demoted but banishment to Saudia Arabia is harsh
— alan swan (@alanswan4) February 16, 2017
BREAKING NEWS!
EXCLUSIVE!!!
Man U are prepared to spend big & break their Transfer Record as they look to replace Mark Clattenburg.
— Lebigmc (@lebigmc5times) February 16, 2017
Mark Clattenburg off to Suadi. Anyone got any contacts in China, see if we can't get them to make a nice offer for Mike Dean and Jon Moss.
— Jack Whitehall (@jackwhitehall) February 16, 2017
With Clattenburg gone there's only one man who can save us now… Mehmet Yildiraz🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/gIk6HELbZV
— Premier League (@EPLBible) February 16, 2017