Mark Clattenburg To Ref Hull City Vs Latics

Wigan Athletics game at the KC Stadium tomorrow will be refereed by County Durham official Mark Clattenburg who has been a select group referee since 2004 and a FIFA referee since 2006.

Back in 2002 Clattenburg was officiating the Stockport Vs Grimsby game when a horrific challenge by Stockports Dave Challinor left Grimsby player Martin Pringle with a double break in his leg which effectively finished his career.

Clattenburg only booked Challinor for the challenge to the disgust of his own manager Carlton Palmer who argued to Clattenburg that he should have sent his player off, Palmer argued so strongly that he got booked himself.

During a recent interview with Ref World, yes there is one, Clattenburg states that the biggest influence on his career has been his dad who would listen to him and give him advice during the bad times of his refereeing, lets hope he doesn`t feel the need to speak to him after tomorrows game.

Below is the interview which appears on Ref World.com

How did you get introduced into refereeing?

I was 15-years-old and was approached by my school teacher who asked me if I would take my refereeing course - either he was telling me I was rubbish at football or I didn't understand the rule of football.


What has been the highlight of your career so far?


Achieving my goals that I set out to achieve at the start of each football season. From a refereeing point of view, my first Euro match involving Denmark and Liechtenstein and also making the Premier League refereeing list.


What is the best game you have officiated and why?


Tottenham and Arsenal this season as the pressure of a derby match as well as a tough Premier League match. I got so much satisfaction from being part of a thrilling match.


What are your aims as a Select Group Referee?


To maintain my position, work hard and listen to people to help me become a better Referee.


What skills do you think you need to become a professional Referee?


You need courage, personality and have a fitness which can sometimes match the players.


Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?


My dad, he give me the opportunity and also supported me through the bad times of my early refereeing career. I would have packed up during the troubled times if there was no one to support me and listen to me.


In your opinion who is/was the best Referee?


The person I looked up to was George Courtney. His personality and the way he controlled a match was a joy to watch.




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