British singer Ed Sheeran appears to have a number of fans across the football spectrum after Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie went to see him in concert.
The 23-year-old popstar has inadvertently landed Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg in trouble after the match official broke protocol by travelling alone to the 2-2 draw between West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace on Saturday in order to return to Newcastle in time to see Sheeran's show.
Clattenburg is expected to be dropped from this weekend's fixtures after breaking the rules, which state that referees must travel with their assistants to and from games for security and integrity purposes.
While Clattenburg is expected to face punishment, Rooney and Van Persie were free to attend the singer's show in Manchester, although the pair are not believed to have gone together.
Rooney tweeted a backstage photo with the singer, along with the message: "Brilliant time at @edsheeran concert last night. Thanks for a great night mate."
Van Persie posted an image online of Sheeran on stage, with the caption: "Just experienced a great performance by @edsheeran He's so talented, what a voice!!"
Brilliant time at @edsheeran concert last night. Thanks for a great night mate pic.twitter.com/Fxv22Y5VMz
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) October 29, 2014
Just experienced a great performance by @edsheeran He's so talented, what a voice!! pic.twitter.com/BGcl9zgqM3
— Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) October 28, 2014
Danielle Joynson
