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16th Feb 2017

Premier League fans distraught at the news their favourite ref could wave goodbye

You don't know what you've got until it's gone.

Tom Victor

Mark Clattenburg stunned the footballing world this week as news broke that he could leave the Premier League before the next round of fixtures.

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The Consett-born official is thought to be fed up with the higher-ups, with rumours resurfacing that he could trade in his current gig for a move to the Chinese Super League.

According to The Sun, Clattenburg is concerned about a lack of support from Professional Game Match Officials Limited and asked to be let go from his contract before Christmas.

That didn’t materialise, but things appear to have come to a head this week and he may be gone between now and the next round of Premier League fixtures on February 25.

Considering the response the popular referee got when people learned of his tattoos, fans were always going to be devastated to learn that he could be on his way out.

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People were gutted to see suggestions the Premier League could lose a man who has – in their view – only ever cared about the greater good of the competition.

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There may well be a national day of mourning if and when he goes to China.

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He has always been seen as a model of consistency, living up to the old adage that the best referees are those you don’t notice during a game.

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He’s a man who has never had his favourites, making him popular with supporters of all clubs in the Premier League.

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Some fans want him to remain closer to home, of course.

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He’ll be missed.

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Catch up with this week’s episode of 888sport Football Friday Live