ONE of the world’s top referee’s chose Woodford Green for his wife’s birthday meal.

Former premier league referee, Mark Clattenburg, who is usually booking players rather than tables at Spanish restaurants, dined at La Sala, in Chigwell Road, last Saturday (March 11).

The ref, who is now head of refereeing for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, then joined in on the five a side tournament put on by La Sala, which raised £1,500 for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

The award winning referee posed with fans while dining with his wife.

Mr Clattenburg was voted as the best referee in football by every FIFA panel in 2016, and refereed three major games, including the FA cup and the European Championship finals.