Mark Clattenburg Commented on by Graham Poll After Manchester United vs. Burnley

Former Premier League official Graham Poll believes referee Mark Clattenburg lets fans who turn on him affect his judgement, explaining why he gave almost nothing to Manchester United in their controversial Premier League draw against Burnley on Saturday.

Ander Herrera was sent off after he lost his balance and tried to pull out of a challenge, and Old Trafford was livid when a penalty wasn't given when Jon Flanagan appeared to upend Matteo Darmian. Manager Jose Mourinho was also sent to the stands.

Writing for the Daily Mail, Poll said Clattenburg has a history of turning on teams when their fans give him stick, pointing to a 2007 match between Liverpool and Everton:

"

Mark Clattenburg is an excellent referee but he struggled at Old Trafford where Manchester United and manager Jose Mourinho paid the penalty.

Everton fans will testify that Clattenburg has an Achilles heel, which is that he gives nothing to a side once their fans turn against him. 

It was their derby match in October 2007 when the Geordie dug his heels in and ignored clear offences by Liverpool players and now United fans know the same.

"

The former referee went on to point at other officials who struggled during the gameweek, as Martin Atkinson, Anthony Taylor and Andre Marriner all had inconsistent outings. He also noted their job is being complicated by players reacting dramatically to the slightest touch.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

His jab at Clattenburg stands out, however. The 41-year-old is considered among the best referees in the world and officiated both the 2016 UEFA Champions League final and the final of UEFA Euro 2016.

Even so, he didn't do his reputation justice on Saturday. Fans and pundits alike criticised Clattenburg for his poor showing, including Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News:

"

Spineless from Clattenburg. Chooses added time to book Heaton for time-wasting. Been happening since first-half.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) October 29, 2016"

Journalist Duncan Castles wasn't too happy with the official's decision-making in the 1-1 draw between Manchester City and Southampton the week prior:

Poll's assertion that Clattenburg responds to the fans' behaviour is serious. The Daily Mail's Ell Bretland was happy the former referee wrote the column, however:

Poll also praised Lee Mason for his decision not to send off Nolito for an incident with Craig Dawson during the match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester City on Saturday. The Spaniard pushed his forehead into the face of the West Brom defender, but the latter didn't react, and Nolito was cautioned.