Mark Clattenburg leaves role with Nottingham Forest, citing friction and targeting

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has made the decision to step down from his role with Nottingham Forest, citing that his position has become more of a hindrance than a help to the club.

Clattenburg, who began working with the relegation-threatened Premier League club as a referee analyst in February, expressed his disappointment in the unintended friction his role has caused between Forest and other participants. He also mentioned that he has been unfairly targeted by certain individuals and pundits.

The former referee highlighted a specific incident where he believed Forest should have been given the ball back after a match was stopped for an earlier foul, and he was prevented from speaking to referee Tierney after the game.

This decision comes after Forest released a statement on social media following a defeat by Everton, expressing their frustration over three penalties not being awarded in their favor. The club even went as far as warning the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) about their concerns regarding the VAR.

Clattenburg’s departure is expected to result in charges for Forest from the Premier League and Football Association. The FA has formally requested observations from Clattenburg, the club, manager Nuno Espirito Santo, and defender Neco Williams regarding the situation.

In his statement confirming his decision to leave, Clattenburg emphasized that he had acted in good faith and with the hope of using his experience to help Forest understand key match incidents in relation to VAR. However, it has become apparent that his consultancy services have caused more harm than good to the club.