Clattenburg acknowledges key mistakes
Former referee Mark Clattenburg has admitted making two significant errors during the infamous 2007 Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, which ended in a 2-1 victory for the Reds. The game, which saw multiple red cards and penalties, remains one of Clattenburg’s most regretted performances.
Mistakes that haunted Clattenburg
The 36-year-old referee admitted to failing to show Dirk Kuyt a red card for a challenge on Phil Neville and not awarding a penalty to Everton after Jamie Carragher fouled Joleon Lescott late in the game. Clattenburg acknowledged these errors have haunted him, particularly the missed penalty opportunity for Everton, which he believes could have changed the game’s outcome.
Clattenburg explains his decisions
Clattenburg explained his decisions, particularly defending his red cards for Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville, but recognized the mistakes he made in not sending off Kuyt and failing to award the penalty in the final moments. He stated that he relied on the advice of his more experienced assistant referee during the Kuyt challenge, but admitted he should have made a different call.
The emotional impact on Everton
Reflecting on the match, Clattenburg said, “By not awarding that penalty, everything seemed to go against Everton, and everything went in favor of Liverpool.” He acknowledged the intense criticism that followed, particularly from Everton fans, but also noted that the significance of his mistakes made the backlash unavoidable.
A learning experience for Clattenburg
The 2007 Merseyside derby became an important learning experience for Clattenburg, who later officiated at the highest levels of football, including the Champions League and Euros finals. He expressed regret over his performance but emphasized that it was a pivotal moment in his refereeing career.
What’s next for Clattenburg?
Clattenburg, who officiated almost 300 Premier League games and many international fixtures, noted that it took years before he was involved in another Everton match. Despite the mistakes, he continued his career at the top level and maintained that every referee has moments they learn from.
