Suspended ref's car is vandalised

Mark Clattenburg is one of Britain's elite referees

Police are trying to find vandals who damaged a £40,000 sports car belonging to a suspended Premier League referee.

Mark Clattenburg, who lives in Newcastle, was suspended amid allegations relating to debts of companies connected to him.

Northumbria Police said officers were investigating an incident in which a corrosive substance was poured on Mr Clattenburg's black Porsche Boxster.

Earlier this week he appeared in court over an alleged £5,000 debt.

The suspension, by the Football Association and referees' body Professional Game Match Officials Ltd, meant Mr Clattenburg was unable to take charge of last weekend's FA Community Shield clash between Manchester United and Portsmouth.

Legal action

A Northumbria police spokesman said: "Police received reports of damage to the paintwork of a vehicle.

"A full investigation is under way."

The incident comes days after Mr Clattenburg, who is originally from Consett, County Durham, appeared before Newcastle County Court over an alleged £5,000 debt.

Electrical supplier Jarel UK Ltd has taken legal action against Mr Clattenburg to try to recover the alleged debt from his company, MC Electrical Services Ltd.

The legal action comes weeks after another of Mr Clattenburg's companies, MC Electrical Retail NE Ltd, was wound up by a court over a reportedly unpaid £60,000 debt to the referee's former friend, John Hepworth.

MC Electrical Retail NE Ltd was wound up under the Insolvency Act on 27 June, Newcastle County Court confirmed.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version