Mark Clattenburg opens up on accepting 'goodies' from clubs and being 'offered a female'

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has revealed that he was showered with "goodies" from elite football clubs - and he was once shockingly even "offered a female". Clattenburg, who refereed at the pinnacle of world football from 2006 to 2017, has opened up about some of the perks he encountered.

The 50-year-old took charge of 297 Premier League games before hanging up his whistle. He officiated at prestigious occasions like the 2016 Champions League final and the Euro 2016 final. At the height of his career, Clattenburg travelled extensively throughout Europe, officiating at some of the most iconic stadiums belonging to the most historic clubs on the continent. In an interview with , Clattenburg has now shed light on how certain clubs tried to gain favourable decisions by handing him subtle gifts during his visits - which he admits he accepted as long as they were within legal boundaries.

He said: "From a club's perspective, you can't pay them [referees], you can't influence them, the only thing you can do is reverse psychology. I remember Barcelona, for example, after the match in your dressing room there was always a little tablet waiting for you, some shirts and little things.

"Bayern Munich would give you a Montblanc pen and bits of goodies. So certain clubs used to give you goodies and, in your head... it's peanuts. You were allowed to take it because it was under a certain value, but it subconsciously played into my head."

Clattenburg continued: "I remember going away in my first few times as a fourth official, we weren't paid a salary abroad. They would take you to a suit shop. Because they didn't pay you but they wanted you to feel special and give you everything they had.

"Later, when we were paid a salary, UEFA didn't want you to be influenced or other clubs to feel that the home side was getting an advantage. For example, Real Madrid used to get you the best hotel. I used to get the f***ing best room ever."

When asked whether any clubs ever crossed the line by attempting to bribe him, Clattenburg recalled a shocking incident where he was offered female company, which he declined. He said: "I had a situation in Azerbaijan, they offered me a female after the match and it was like crazy, man."

Asked if he reported it, Clattenburg responded: "I just laughed it off. I didn't know if it was a joke or whatever. I just said, 'Nah, nah. I'm okay thanks,' and left it at that."

Clattenburg also discussed how certain players and managers, including the late Gary Speed and Sir Alex Ferguson, employed psychological tactics on him to their advantage. By contrast, he acknowledged that Craig Bellamy, who consistently caused the official "problems" with his conduct on the pitch, was less likely to benefit from favourable decisions.

After retiring, Clattenburg stirred controversy by taking on the role of referee analyst for Nottingham Forest in early 2024, only to leave three months later. He now serves as the chief referee on the BBC's reboot of the television programme Gladiators.