Mark Clattenburg’s tenure as a consultant to the Nottingham Forest board has come to an abrupt end, as he acknowledges that his involvement has caused more harm than good to the club. Initially brought on board to offer insights into VAR workings and decision-making processes, Clattenburg’s presence has stirred controversy amidst a string of contentious decisions that have gone against the team. There’s a palpable concern that seeking guidance from a former referee has soured relations with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), leading to adverse repercussions for the club.
In his announcement, Clattenburg expressed his disappointment that his consultancy services inadvertently strained relationships within the football community and attracted unwarranted scrutiny from certain quarters of the media. Despite his genuine intention to leverage his expertise for the benefit of Nottingham Forest, the outcome proved counterproductive, prompting his decision to step down from his role. Clattenburg emphasized his belief in the value of such consultancy roles in the modern game but conceded that the circumstances surrounding his involvement had become untenable.
Clattenburg’s involvement also served as a conduit between Nottingham Forest and the PGMOL, particularly in addressing grievances over decisions made during matches. His discussions with PGMOL chief Howard Webb, notably prior to the team’s defeat against Everton, highlighted concerns about VAR decisions and potential biases. However, despite these efforts, Forest found themselves on the wrong end of contentious decisions, further exacerbating tensions surrounding Clattenburg’s consultancy role.
