This article was originally published on March 8 and has been updated.
Mark Clattenburg’s autobiography, Whistle Blower, was released two and a half years ago. In the book, he didn’t hold back in criticizing former colleagues like Graham Poll, Martin Atkinson, and David Elleray. He even called his old boss at PGMOL, Mike Riley, a “boring f**ker.”
Clattenburg also discussed his strained relationship with Howard Webb, stating that they don’t engage with each other anymore. However, the recent turn of events has brought them back together, as Clattenburg now works with Webb in his role at Nottingham Forest.
Despite their past differences, Clattenburg and Webb have been in regular contact since Clattenburg’s appointment at Forest. They even attended a match together at the club’s FA Cup fifth-round defeat to Manchester United.
Howard Webb and Mark Clattenburg watch Nottingham Forest against Manchester United (Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
However, their relationship has been tested following a controversial defeat at Everton, where Forest raised concerns about the appointment of Stuart Attwell as VAR due to his alleged support for Luton.
Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.
We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times.
NFFC will now consider its options.
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) April 21, 2024
The Athletic reported that Clattenburg had a conversation with Webb before the match but did not request Attwell’s removal. However, Clattenburg later criticized PGMOL for their appointments in a column for MailOnline, highlighting the errors made by Attwell and Anthony Taylor in the game.
