I'm a former referee, I was so scared of Keane that I gave a corner kick when he shouted

Sports

FORMER Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has admitted he was so scared of Roy Keane that he gave the player a corner kick because the Manchester United hardman shouted at him.

In a quote that surfaced from 2017 Podcast for men in brass During the interview, Clattenburg admitted that his then inexperience as a referee influenced his decision-making.

Clattenburg admitted that his fear of Roy Keane led him to award a corner instead of a free-kickCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

He was intimidated by Keane's trademark shoutCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Speaking to Michael Davies and Roger Bennett, Clattenburg said: “Even in the Premier League I still smile when I meet Roy Keane for the first time.

“He shouted at us for a corner and I'm sure it was a goal kick, but because he shouted at us so loudly I gave a corner. That's how terrified I was of him.”

Roy Keane was known for his tough character while playing for Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, with the player recording seven red cards and 69 yellow cards during his Premier League career.

It's something Keane has carried over into his expert work, with his cantankerous nature often leading to on-screen rants.

It was on the same podcast that Clattenburg opened up about how he allowed Tottenham to 'destroy' themselves during their infamous 'Battle of the Bridge' match against Chelsea.

Spurs needed to win the match to stay in the title race with Leicester – and led 2-0 at half-time.

But after becoming involved in several physical altercations with Chelsea players, Spurs eventually gave up their 2–0 lead and drew the match 2–2.

The draw made it mathematically impossible for Spurs to win the 2015/16 Premier League title.

Mark Clattenburg admitted he let Spurs lose their heads during the 'Battle of the Bridge'Credit: Getty

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

Speaking about the match, in which Clattenburg awarded Spurs a whopping nine yellow cards, the former referee said: “I let them destroy themselves so that all the media and all the people in the world could say: 'Tottenham have lost the title.'

“If I send off three Tottenham players, what are the headlines? 'Clattenburg cost Tottenham the title'. It was pure theater that Tottenham destroyed themselves against Chelsea and Leicester won the title.

'He's got a Scottish accent,' fans shout as former Prem League referee Mark Clattenburg heads to the Gladiators ring

“Some referees would have played by the book, Tottenham only had seven or eight players left and they would have looked for an excuse.

“But I didn't give them an excuse because my plan was: 'Make them lose the title'.”

MAN UTD NEWS LIVE: Keep up to date with the latest transfer news from Old Trafford