Clattenburg suspended from duty

Clattenburg: Out of Community Shield

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Mark Clattenburg has been suspended from refereeing duties pending enquiries into reports of the official's alleged debts.

Clattenburg was due to take charge of the Community Shield on Sunday between Manchester United and Portsmouth but he has now been replaced by Peter Walton.

It is alleged that Clattenburg has run up debts relating to companies connected to him.

The Football Association and referees body Professional Game Match Officials Ltd have now decided that Clattenburg will not officiate until the matter has been resolved.

The 33-year-old has been a Premier League referee since 2004 but he will not now oversee a game when the new campaign kicks off on 16th August.

Enquiries

A joint statement from the Football Association and PGMO read: "PGMO is aware of media reports concerning alleged debts incurred by companies connected to referee Mark Clattenburg.

"It has been decided he will not officiate any matches pending enquiries into the background to these reports.

"The FA has also decided to appoint Peter Walton as referee for Sunday's FA Community Shield between Manchester United and Portsmouth in place of Mark Clattenburg."

A PGMO spokesman added: "It is in the best interests of Mark Clattenburg and the game that these reports are fully investigated and, during that time, he will not referee any matches.

"Mark Clattenburg is one of England's leading referees and we hope to resolve this matter swiftly."