Premier League fans distraught at the news their favourite referee is waving goodbye

Mark Clattenburg stunned the footballing world this week as news broke that he could leave the Premier League before the next round of fixtures. Now that news has been confirmed.

https://twitter.com/marathonbet/status/832181955097657345 The Consett-born official is thought to be fed up with the higher-ups, with rumours resurfacing that he could trade in his current gig for a move to the Chinese Super League. However, it was confirmed today that he had taken a gig in Saudi Arabia. According to The Sun, Clattenburg is concerned about a lack of support from Professional Game Match Officials Limited and asked to be let go from his contract before Christmas. That didn't materialise, but things appear to have come to a head this week and he may be gone between now and the next round of Premier League fixtures on February 25. Considering the response the popular referee got when people learned of his tattoos, fans were always going to be devastated to learn that he could be on his way out. https://twitter.com/gould92/status/832184471705239552 https://twitter.com/GjorgjinhoLAD/status/832182842016698369 https://twitter.com/Ash_DC_/status/832183670853152769 People were gutted to see suggestions the Premier League could lose a man who has - in their view - only ever cared about the greater good of the competition. https://twitter.com/MWmagic/status/832183953574477824 https://twitter.com/MichaelCPFC/status/832179743248244736 There may well be a national day of mourning if and when he goes to China. https://twitter.com/HLTCO/status/832177824454811649 https://twitter.com/CPFCAllardyce/status/832177147972296704 He has always been seen as a model of consistency, living up to the old adage that the best referees are those you don't notice during a game. https://twitter.com/HickmottJ/status/832193230070484992 He's a man who has never had his favourites, making him popular with supporters of all clubs in the Premier League. https://twitter.com/RoDuSu/status/832179670619738116 Some fans want him to remain closer to home, of course. https://twitter.com/Le5JMelt/status/832176314715078656 He'll be missed. https://twitter.com/JohnStonezz/status/832185019804299265