English Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg will be spared of officiating duty this weekend for two breaches of protocol.
The 39-year-old broke the English top-flight code to communicate via phone call with Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock after West Brom’s 2-all draw at home to Crystal Palace last Saturday- his last match as central referee.
He then left the Hawthorns alone to drive to Newcastle to watch pop star Ed Sheeran in concert.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL)- the Premier League’s referee body- states that officials must travel to and from match venues together for integrity and security.
All officials are expected to be present during a conversation with a manager, also according to the League’s rules, meaning an official cannot make or take calls from club managers away from the ground.