Refereeing the North London Derby is never an easy task at the best of times.
As Arsenal and Tottenham sit within touching distance of one another in the Premier League table, Sunday’s clash at the Emirates could be among the feistiest yet.
Spurs are monitoring the progress of Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane, but they will also have a keen eye on one man in particular when the game kicks off.
As reported by the Mirror, Mark Clattenburg will officiate the game, despite coming under huge criticism for his performance in Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Burnley.
Clattenburg failed to give Matteo Darmian a penalty and later sent off Ander Herrera – who appeared to have just slipped over – much to the anger of Jose Mourinho, who is now facing a ban for his behaviour towards the referee.
Former official Graham Poll wrote in his Daily Mail column earlier this week that Clattenburg refused to give teams decisions when their fans had turned against him – so all in all, it’s not been the man in black’s week.
The FA could have taken him out of the firing line, but as he’s one of the most highly-respected officials in the Premier League, it does make sense that he’s been given such a big game again this weekend.
He was England’s main representative at the Euros, too, even taking charge of the final between France and Portugal, so he’s clearly held in high regard.
Under so much pressure, though, the FA will have to hope he has the perfect game at the Emirates.
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