Only a few thousand people have ever had the chance to lace up their boots and play in a Champions League final… but less than 50 have ever refereed it. And of those 50, only 2 have been English. Today… we speak to one of those men. Mark Clattenburg. 

From refereeing the 2016 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, to also refereeing the iconic France vs Portugal Euros final in the same year - Mark has been the man-in-the-middle for some of the most iconic football matches in recent history. 

What is it like to not only share the field with the likes of Messi and Ronaldo, but to referee them? Who is harder to control? Who’s the best up close? Just how difficult is it to referee maniacs such as Luis Suarez? Who is the worst footballer to share a pitch with? 

Mark Clattenburg was an elite referee who operated at the top level for 13 years, and today on Happy Hour he shares some exclusive behind the scenes stories that are guaranteed to make you see referees in a different light. Is it ever truly possible for a referee to be unbiased? Mark’s answer might shock you! 

What’s the biggest on field mistake Mark ever made? How about his greatest call of all time? Just how did Mark play a part in the recent Lucas Paqueta betting court case? Do refs ever get a kick out of sending somebody off? Now that Mark is fully retired, he has no problem sharing the ugliest parts of the beautiful game. 

Mark’s podcast Whistleblowers is available on all podcast platforms now!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices