Mark Clattenburg names Newcastle United hero as the footballer he really ‘didn’t like’

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg is recognised as one of the best referees in English football history.

A lifelong Newcastle United fan, Mark Clattenburg was never able to officiate a competitive game involving the Magpies, but he took part in one of their most important games in the club’s history.

Clattenburg refereed Alan Shearer’s testimonial in 2006, awarding Newcastle a late penalty for the retiring Shearer to come on and score his final goal in front of the Gallowgate End.

There is no doubt that the former Premier League official was pleased that Newcastle finally ended their agonising wait for a trophy by winning the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley Stadium earlier in March, but the result may have looked different had it not been for VAR

Clattenburg suggested VAR favoured Newcastle in the Cup final as it allowed Eddie Howe’s side to regroup and regain their confidence for the final minutes of the tie.

The County Durham-born man has recently lifted the lid on his career and pivotal moments that would define him, including one incident with a former Newcastle player who never forgave him for it.

Why former Newcastle star Craig Bellamy hated Mark Clattenburg
Craig Bellamy formed a fine career for himself after leaving Newcastle in 2005. The Welshman was known for his fiery outbursts throughout his career, even more so as a youngster managed by Sir Bobby Robson.

Bellamy let his anger fuel him at Newcastle, forming a fine partnership with Shearer when he began to slow down at the latter stages of his career.