Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg believes one ex-Newcastle United star was the hardest to deal with in his career.
Indeed, Clattenburg is a Newcastle United supporter and, naturally, did not referee their competitive games as a result.
Still, the former referee would have had run-ins with various former Toon stars over the years at different clubs they played for.
Clattenburg was a pretty central figure in the Premier League at one point, such has been the increase in profile of match officials in the modern era.
No longer refereeing these days, the 50-year-old has been asked about some of the most memorable players he clashed with.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Craig Bellamy’s name came up.
Mark Clattenburg names Craig Bellamy as the ‘mouthiest’ player he ever dealt with
The former official was asked all manner of questions in a quick-fire interview posted on the Daily Mail’s social media channels.
Quizzed on who the “mouthiest” player he ever refereed was, Clattenburg named Bellamy without hesitation.
Asked on who the “hardest to deal with” was, he named the current Wales coach again.
Interestingly, Clattenburg went for Robbie Keane as the “biggest moaner” and Vincent Kompany as the “easiest to deal with”.
Bellamy, of course, played for Newcastle between 2001 and 2005 before enjoying spells at Blackburn, Liverpool, West Ham, Manchester City and hometown club Cardiff.
How Newcastle United gamble worked out for Craig Bellamy
The forward’s time at St James’ Park ended on a sour note following a falling out with former manager Graeme Souness.
Still, it’s fair to say things worked out for the Welshman during his time on Tyneside.
Bellamy admitted he was driven to prove the doubters wrong at Newcastle, having made the move to a big club after relegation with Coventry City.
Awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year Award in 2002, Bellamy certainly did that during what was a relatively successful era for the club.
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