Mark Clattenburg tears into Howard Webb and leaks chat about money - 'Can't respect him'

Former referee Mark Clattenburg has launched criticism at PGMOL chief Howard Webb. Clattenburg officiated numerous high-profile fixtures during his career, including the 2016 UEFA Champions League final and the Euro 2016 Final.

The 50 year old departed his Premier League refereeing role in February 2017 to join the Saudi Arabian Football Federation - taking over from Webb as the nation's Head of Refereeing. He has subsequently held positions in China and Egypt before becoming lead referee for the popular BBC TV programme Gladiators.

Clattenburg collaborated with fellow former official Webb at Euro 2012, but has alleged that he and other referees shut him out from a post-match social event. Webb stands as one of England's most accomplished officials in recent times, having taken charge of the 2010 Champions League Final, the 2010 World Cup Final and 296 Premier League fixtures throughout his career.

The 54-year-old currently leads PGMOL, the organisation tasked with training, developing, appointing, and overseeing all professional referees in English football, yet Clattenburg maintains the duo share no friendship. "I wouldn't say I'm friends with Howard," he revealed on the Daily Mail's Whistleblowers podcast.

"I respect him, but I think he has his own agendas. He's had agendas for years. I worked with him at EURO 2012 - and you know, you see different sides to people. I remember being the additional (assistant) behind the goal with Martin Atkinson, Howard Webb and his two assistants.

"After the match, we had all arranged to go into one of the rooms and have a few beers, as we always did after every international. But that night, they all disappeared. The next day, I asked: "What happened?"

"I was told they'd gone to bed early - that was the line, but actually, they'd all gone out to a party. I respect Howard for what he's done as a referee in management, but as a person, I can't respect the man."

Clattenburg was brought in by Nottingham Forest in February 2024 as a refereeing consultant. His position was created to counsel the board and serve as a liaison between the club and PGMOL regarding officiating matters.

However, the former official stepped down merely three months later following Forest's publication of a contentious statement alleging VAR Stuart Attwell supported Luton and casting doubt on his impartiality. Clattenburg has also alleged that Webb enquired about his Forest earnings whilst moaning about his own PGMOL wages.

He added: "You know what I think Webb's problem is? He doesn't want anyone to be as successful as him. When I was at Forest, for example, the conversations between us were: "What's your salary?

"Sorry, it shouldn't be about salary. But he was always complaining to me that he wasn't paid well enough. That's not my problem. He took the decision to go and be employed [by PGMOL] - I've decided to do other things.

"There was always this resistance from people within PGMOL, that an ex-referee could work at a football club. I think that created a bit of animosity between me and Webb."

A PGMOL spokesperson declined to comment.