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Mark Clattenburg named as the world's best referee

English referee Mark Clattenburg gestures during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in
Image: Mark Clattenburg has been named the best referee in the world

Mark Clattenburg has capped off a tremendous year by being named as the world's best referee at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.

One of FIFA's elite officials, Clattenburg was tasked with taking charge of football's biggest matches and was the man in the middle for the FA Cup final, Champions League final and the Euro 2016 final.

The 41-year-old's most recent match, was the 1-1 draw between Watford and Crystal Palace on Boxing Day, before flying out to be honoured.

As a reminder to his achievements, Clattenburg tattooed the logos of both the Champions League and European Championship on his wrist and bicep to commemorate the showpiece occasions this summer.

Clattenburg also took charge of the London 2012 final between Brazil and Mexico.

A Premier League official since 2004, Clattenburg has long been considered one of the best and has continuously demonstrated his ability to control and officiate at the highest level. 

Clattenburg takes over the from former Premier League official Howard Webb as the best and the latter has twice been interviewed for the job as head of referees in the MLS. 

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Clattenburg told Sky Sports News HQ he was hugely proud of the award.

"It's immense," he said. "To be nominated first of all, after the amazing 2016 that I had - to referee one final is a great achievement. To referee three major finals in one year, it's one of the biggest achievements probably any referee could achieve."

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