Ever wondered which clubs the most celebrated referees in the Premier League support?
All has been revealed.
Take a look at five top officials in England’s top flight, courtesy of Footy Jokes, and which team they support…
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5. Anthony Taylor
Favourite club: Altrincham FC
Anthony Taylor began his career as a referee at the age of just 16, and has become a regular in the Premier League since his debut in 2010.
With Altrincham struggling in the Conference North, his allegiance to the club hasn’t proved worrisome in his career in English football.
4. Mike Dean
Favourite club: Tranmere Rovers
Perhaps the most unpopular of referees on this list, Mike Dean’s officiating style hasn’t been without his critics – take former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson describing him as ‘one of the most arrogant people I’ve ever met’ – yet he remains one of the Premier League’s most esteemed referees.
He is a boyhood supporter of Tranmere Rovers, and has been spotted, on occasion, at their games.
3. Michael Oliver
Favourite club: Newcastle United
One of two Toon supporters officiating in the Premier League.
Oliver played for Newcastle in their academy before embarking upon a career as a referee.
He became the youngest referee in Premier League history when he took charge of Fulham’s home game against Portsmouth in January 2010, and has since gone on to establish himself as a regular in England’s top flight.
2. Martin Atkinson
Favourite club: Leeds United
He was heavily criticised last season for what was described as an ‘incompetent display’ by ex-referees chief Keith Hackett in the controversial clash between Chelsea and Burnley – in which he sent off Nemanja Matic for his reaction to a horror challenge from Ashley Barnes.
He remains, however, one of the top officials in Europe, and will have one close eye on Leeds United’s progress in the Championship.
1. Mark Clattenburg
Favourite club: Newcastle United
Mark Clattenburg is openly a huge Newcastle supporter, and his allegiances prevent him from refereeing their matches.
In the summer, he earned recognition as a ‘true Magpie’ after insisting that he would rather see the Toon in an FA Cup final than himself, and spoke of fulfilling his ‘boyhood dream’ in officiating Alan Shearer’s testimonial match at St James’ Park.
“I’d rather see Newcastle in it than me,” said Mark, as quoted by the Chronicle Live.
“Fingers crossed though, you never know, with a bit of luck and if they get the right draw they might make the semi or the final, and missing out wouldn’t disappoint me as a referee,” he added.
“I have done Newcastle friendly matches, charity matches, and testimonials. I think most people know that I’m a Newcastle fan and so Alan Shearer, for instance, asked me to referee his testimonial match. To have the opportunity to go out on to St James’ Park was a boyhood dream.”
