Legendary Premier League Referee Names Mikel Obi Among Five Most Annoying Players to Match-Officials

• Mark Clattenburg has named five players most annoying players to match officials including former Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi
• Clattenburg retired from officiating in 2017, but he remains an iconic referee having been in charge of 576 matches
• Among the referee’s most annoying players are Portuguese sensation Pepe whom he claims was always difficult

A retired English referee Mark Clattenburg who officiated 576 football matches in his career has named five most annoying players which include Nigeria’s Mikel Obi and Portuguese defender Pepe, SPORTbible.

Clattenburg who remains an iconic official took charge of big matches between 2004 and 2017 including the Champions League and Euro 2016 finals, stated that the job was not easy.

The 46-year-old officiated some of the most historical football matches and with experience, he says while he enjoys the relationship with players, some of them are annoying.

In a chat with UK outlet Daily Mail via GiveMeSport, Clattenburg named his top five most annoying players and mentioned Mikel who had a stint with Chelsea.

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The official was cleared of doing anything wrong and the lack of an apology from the Nigerian landed him on the list.

Another moment of huge note during his career was when Clattenburg was accused of making a racist comment by John Obi Mikel.

"He has never apologised and that is disappointing because it could have ruined my life.

"I fell out of love with refereeing for a while after that but couldn't quit because I had a family to support and no other career to pursue.

"It all left a bad feeling that still lingers today."

Another player named by the former referee is Portugal defender Pepe. He also mentioned Craig Bellamy, Roy Keane and goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

Clattenburg reveals why he won’t forgive Mikel

Meanwhile, Clattenburg has disclosed that he cannot forgive ex-Chelsea defensive midfielder Mikel Obi and the club over racist comments.

Nine years after the incident, the ex-Premier League official stated that the allegation almost ruined his career and he does not have time for the former Super Eagles captain.

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Clattenburg officiated matches at the highest level in England for 13 years and was named among the best European referees, but one dark incident occurred during a Chelsea vs Manchester United match.

Neymar angrily squares up to referee

In Brazil, one referee will certainly be adding Neymar in his list of most annoying players after an incident on Friday, November 12.

Neymar had a bust-up with centre-referee Tobar as early as the eighth minute of the game having made a confrontation and shouting at into his face before making contact with his chest.

Luckily for the PSG star, the ref let the incident slide and no card was issued.