Mark Clattenburg has now resigned from his role as Referee Analyst at Nottingham Forest.
The 49-year-old has decided to step down just weeks after accepting the role, due to the “unintended friction” it has caused between Nottingham Forest and others involved in the Premier League.
Clattenburg wrote in an official statement: “It is now clear that the existence and performance of these consultancy services has caused unintended friction between NFFC and other participants, to the extent that it has become more of a hinderance than help to NFFC. It has also led to the unmerited targeting of me, personally, by certain participants and pundits.
“Such reactions and outcome was not expected and is regrettable, as it is my sincere belief that there is a place for and value in such a role in the modern game.”
It was – in truth – a strange move from Nottingham Forest to hire Mark Clattenburg in the first place, and the club’s thoughts on that decision made in February have now come to light…
What Nottingham Forest now think of Mark Clattenburg appointment
Well – according to the Daily Mail – Nottingham Forest now believe the appointment of the man from Consett angered the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited).
It is said that those at the City Ground fear Clattenburg’s involvement actually had a negative impact, hence the decision to move away from having a Referee Analyst at the club.
The news comes after Gary Neville called on Clattenburg to resign from his role as Referee Analyst at the City Ground, following the recent 2-0 defeat against Everton which led to Evangelos Marinakis posting a furious statement about Stuart Atwell, that went viral.
Nottingham Forest did not provide any comments of their own in the statement.
It was purely a message from Clattenburg, with no thanks from Marinakis – it may be speculative, but that would suggest Nottingham Forest do indeed regret the appointment.
Good news
In our view, this is good news.
Nottingham Forest have become far too embroiled in the farce involving officials this season, and it has proven to be a distraction, in our eyes.
While some decisions have admittedly beggared belief, a number of sides – mainly Wolves – have been truly hard done by this term, and while we hope the PGMOL sort themselves out, Nottingham Forest need to focus on things within their control.
Hopefully, poor decisions do not end up costing the Reds this season, and Nuno Espirito Santo can steer Nottingham Forest to safety in the final three games.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
