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FA 'formally request observations' from Nottingham Forest and referee analyst Mark Clattenburg amid explosive row over decisions in Everton defeat

7 months ago 33
  • Club released a remarkable statement in the wake of a 2-0 defeat to Everton 
  • Clattenburg doubled down on the criticism in a Mail Sport column on Sunday 
  • Prejudice and bias are dangerous claims from these clubs. Liverpool, Arsenal and now Forest. It's embarrassing – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast 

By Mike Keegan

Published: 17:41 BST, 22 April 2024 | Updated: 17:56 BST, 22 April 2024

The Football Assoication have ‘formally requested observations’ from Nottingham Forest – and Mark Clattenburg – following the explosive row over three penalties that were not given during their crunch clash at Everton.

Following what could be a significant 2-0 defeat at Goodison Park, Forest stunned the football world when a message posted on their ‘X’ account claimed VAR Stuart Atwell was a fan of relegation battlers Luton Town.

The visitors had seen three appeals for penalties turned down by referee Anthony Taylor with the decisions endorsed by Atwell at Stockley Park.


Following the final whistle, Forest posted: ‘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.’

The FA formally requested observations from Nottingham Forest over their explosive claims 

The Midlands club issued an incendiary statement in the wake of their 2-0 defeat to Everton

Mark Clattenburg, who works for Forest as a consultant, has been asked for his observations

The FA immediately launched an investigation.

Mail Sport understands a hefty fine, rather than a points deduction, may be in the pipeline.

Last night ex-Premier League referee Clattenburg, who works for Forest as a consultant, doubled down on the criticism in his Mail Sport column.

Branding the decisions ‘a joke’, he criticised the PGMOL for appointing Attwell as VAR, and repeated Forest's claim that a ‘Luton fan such as Attwell’ should not have been involved.

‘It was a hat-trick of howlers from the refereeing team and, unfortunately for Forest, a continuation of an unjust trend that has hampered their survival fight,’ he added.

‘You will have seen the statement released by the club - how the PGMOL were contacted to warn that it was not appropriate for a Luton fan such as Attwell to play such a pivotal role in a massive match that would impact the relegation race.’

The FA say they have now formally asked Forest, manager Nuno Espirito Santo, player Neco Williams and Clattenburg for their observations ‘as a result of their comments following their Premier League match against Everton on Sunday’. 

A spokesperson added: ‘We will provide any updates in due course.’

Nuno Espirito Santo claimed decision-making had gone against his side 'so many times'.

Neco Williams claimed 'top six teams' would have received penalties for the three incidents

A statement from the Premier League also read: 'The Premier League was extremely disappointed to read the comments made by Nottingham Forest on social media yesterday, following its match against Everton. 

'We note The FA has confirmed it will be investigating the club’s statement. 

'It is never appropriate to improperly question the integrity of match officials, and the nature of these comments means the Premier League will also be investigating the matter in relation to the League’s Rules.'

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