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By Mike Collett
LONDON, Aug 7 (Reuters) - English Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg was suspended from officiating at matches on Thursday pending enquiries into reports about his alleged business debts.
Clattenburg, 33, who is also a FIFA-listed referee, was due to take charge of the Community Shield season-opener between champions Manchester United and FA Cup winners Portsmouth at Wembley Stadium on Sunday but has been replaced by Peter Walton.
The English FA and referees' body Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) acted after allegations relating to debts of companies connected to Clattenburg.
A joint statement from the FA and PGMO read: "PGMO is aware of media reports concerning alleged debts incurred by companies connected to referee Mark Clattenburg.
"(He) is one of England's leading referees and we hope to resolve this matter swiftly."
A spokesman added that he would not officiate at any matches "pending enquiries into the background to these reports" which follow the collapse of an electrical firm which was wound up in June.
