Mark Clattenburg attacks Howard Webb over Arsenal controversy in Newcastle win

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has launched a fierce broadside at PGMOL chief Howard Webb following the fiery aftermath of Newcastle’s contentious victory over Arsenal, turning an already heated debate into a full-blown refereeing storm.

Clattenburg, never one to shy away from strong opinions, argued that Webb’s handling of the high-stakes match exposed serious flaws in the way English football’s officiating body deals with big decisions. He suggested that the chain of communication and accountability surrounding the controversial calls at St James’ Park was “nowhere near the standard the Premier League deserves,” accusing Webb of failing to protect both the integrity of the game and the referees on the pitch.

The ex–FIFA official went further, warning that repeated incidents like this erode public confidence and give credence to those who believe VAR and match officials are undermining the sport’s credibility. Fans and pundits alike seized on Clattenburg’s comments, which painted a picture of a refereeing system in turmoil and demanded urgent reform before trust in the league’s fairness is permanently damaged.

With tempers still running high after Arsenal’s defeat, Clattenburg’s hard-hitting remarks have ensured the controversy will rage on, putting Webb and the Premier League’s officiating standards squarely under the spotlight.