Mark Clattenburg Reveals Boot Thrown at Mourinho After U.T.D Blames Referee
Former Referee Reveals Confrontation with Jose Mourinho
Mark Clattenburg, a seasoned former Premier League referee with 13 years of top-flight experience, has shared details of a heated incident involving José Mourinho that left the Portuguese manager visibly stunned.
Clattenburg officiated many of Mourinho’s matches in England and witnessed the manager’s decline from his earlier triumphant days. Once celebrated as the ‘Special One’ for his charm and strategic acumen, Mourinho’s recent stints at Manchester United and Tottenham were often marred by controversy.
In an interview, Clattenburg recounted a confrontation during a match when Mourinho stormed into his locker room, convinced that the official had unfairly denied his team a penalty. The referee explained, “He believed I missed a handball by Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross and insisted it was a penalty. When I told him I had reviewed the replay and it wasn’t, he became agitated.”
Clattenburg described the moment: “He went white, unsure of what to say, and left the dressing room abruptly.” Later reviewing the incident, he realized Mourinho’s accusations were unfounded, describing the encounter as driven by “mind games, bitterness, and nastiness.”
Clattenburg, who spent years officiating during Mourinho’s tenure in England, recounted the clash.
Reflecting on their relationship, Clattenburg noted, “My connection with Mourinho diminished after Chelsea. He once had charm and was widely admired, but that changed over time.”
Mourinho recently returned to managerial duties at Benfica, signing a two-year contract at the club where he began his coaching career in 2000. Having been dismissed from Fenerbahçe last month, he expressed a more modest outlook, emphasizing team growth and humility. “I am less egocentric now,” Mourinho stated. “My focus is on serving the club, its players, and fans.”
Mourinho during his official presentation at Benfica, highlighting a shift towards a more selfless approach.
Clattenburg also recalled Mourinho’s early attempts to influence referees, noting, “He was always charming initially, trying to gain an edge. But as his success waned, his demeanor turned bitter and confrontational, especially in Turkey.”
For more insights from Clattenburg, listen to the Whistleblowers podcast.