Mark Clattenburg Stops Game In Saudi Arabia When The Call For Prayer Echoes From Nearby Mosques

During a match between Al Faiha and Al Fateh earlier, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg blew his whistle five minutes into extra time.

In a remarkable scene, Clattenburg paused play for two minutes because the call for prayer echoed from nearby mosques.

The moment happened during the Saudi King's Cup round of 16, and with the two teams going into extra time at 1-1, 'the Mouazin' starts and play completely stops.

You don't see this happen very often...

Credit: ProSports1/Twitter

Shortly after the call for prayer echoed from nearby mosques, people on Twitter praised the referee for his actions.

One Twitter user sent the following message to Clattenburg: "Fans in KSA are admiring and appreciating your decision today to stop the game during Athan for prayer. Thanks Mr. Mark."

Another said: "Thank you Mr. @clattenburg1975 for stopping the game during Pray time. You are showing your Bravery which may no Ref can do that.

Thoughts on the incident?

Let us know in the comments below.

Topics: Football News, Football, Mark Clattenburg

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_