LONDON (AP) — A Premier League referee has been dropped this weekend for breaking protocol so that he could watch an Ed Sheeran pop concert.

Mark Clattenburg drove straight from West Bromwich Albion’s ground to Newcastle after Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace so that he could watch Sheeran perform.

Referees are supposed to make a return journey with their assistants from the stadium to their hotel after every match — to protect their integrity and security.

Clattenburg broke another Professional Game Match Officials’ rule by speaking to Palace manager Neil Warnock on the phone after the 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns.

Referees are only allowed to speak to managers 30 minutes after games, and their assistants must be present in case the conversation needs verifying later.

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