Breaking: FA respond to Mark Clattenburg as Nottingham Forest charged after Everton controversy

The Football Association (FA) has responded to Mark Clattenburg’s comments regarding the controversy surrounding Nottingham Forest’s match against Everton. Clattenburg, who served as Forest’s refereeing advisor until his recent resignation, had described the three penalty incidents as “a hat-trick of howlers” in a column for the Daily Mail.

The FA has charged Nottingham Forest, head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, and player Neco Williams with misconduct over their comments following the match. The charges allege that their comments imply bias and/or question the integrity of the match officials and/or bring the game into disrepute.

Clattenburg, meanwhile, has been formally warned by the FA for his media comments. The FA stated that Clattenburg’s comments constituted improper conduct and that he had been warned as to his future conduct.

The controversy began during the match at Goodison Park, where Nottingham Forest had three penalty appeals waved away by referee Anthony Taylor. The visitors were left frustrated, and Forest published an angry statement on social media at full-time, accusing VAR Stuart Attwell of being a fan of relegation rivals Luton Town.

Nuno Espirito Santo and Neco Williams have until May 9 to respond to the charges. If found guilty, they could face fines or touchline bans.

This is not the first time Nottingham Forest has been in trouble with the FA this season. The club was previously docked four points for breaching the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Mark Clattenburg’s resignation as Forest’s refereeing advisor came as a surprise, given his experience and expertise in the field. However, his comments in the media likely contributed to his departure.

The FA’s decision to charge Nottingham Forest, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Neco Williams sends a strong message that improper conduct will not be tolerated. The charges also highlight the importance of respecting match officials and the game’s integrity.

In a statement, the FA said: “Nottingham Forest, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Neco Williams have been charged with misconduct in relation to comments that they made after their Premier League game against Everton on Sunday 21 April. It’s alleged that the club, manager, and player’s comments constitute improper conduct in that they imply bias and/or question the integrity of the match officials and/or bring the game into disrepute.”

The incident has sparked debate about the role of VAR in the game and the need for greater transparency and accountability. While mistakes are inevitable, the FA’s actions demonstrate a commitment to upholding the game’s integrity and maintaining respect for match officials.

As the season draws to a close, Nottingham Forest will need to focus on their remaining games and put the controversy behind them. The FA’s charges serve as a reminder that the game’s rules and regulations must be respected, and that improper conduct will not be tolerated.

In conclusion, the FA’s response to Mark Clattenburg’s comments and the charges against Nottingham Forest, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Neco Williams demonstrate a commitment to upholding the game’s integrity and maintaining respect for match officials. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the game’s rules and regulations, and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the sport.