Everton will have to 'pay whatever clubs want for top talent'
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Daily Mirror
3 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Ex-EPL referee Mark Clattenburg admits taking 'goodies' from clubs and was 'offered a female'
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has admitted he received 'goodies' from top football clubs and was even 'offered a female'. Clattenburg officiated some of the most high-profile games in world football between 2006 and 2017. The 50-year-old officiated 297 Premier League matches before his retirement. He also took charge of prestigious occasions such as the 2016 Champions League final and the Euro 2016 final. During the peak of his career, the Durham-born referee would travel across Europe for games at a wide range of different stadiums, including some of the biggest and most historic clubs on the continent. Clattenburg has now revealed in an interview with Undr The Cosh that some of those teams subtly attempted to gain favourable decisions by handing him flattering gifts whenever he visited their stadiums - which he accepted within the legal limits. He explained: '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 added: '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 if any clubs ever overstepped the mark by resorting to bribing, Clattenburg revealed an incident where he was offered female company, which he turned down. He recalled: '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 replied: '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 some players and managers, such as the late Gary Speed and Alex Ferguson, used psychological tactics on him to their benefit. In contrast, he admitted Craig Bellamy, who regularly caused the official 'problems' with his behaviour on the pitch, was less likely to receive favourable decisions. Following his retirement, Clattenburg was controversially appointed as Nottingham Forest 's referee analyst in early 2024 and left the role three months later. He is now the lead ref on the BBC revival of TV show Gladiators. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
6 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Florian Wirtz and Liverpool wonderkids star in Yokohama friendly win
YOKOHAMA 1-3 LIVERPOOL: Florian Wirtz scored his first goal for the Premier League champions before a pair of teenagers came off the bench to steal the show in final friendly of pre-season tour Florian Wirtz scored his first Liverpool goal before Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha boosted their burgeoning reputations by finding the net as Arne Slot 's side came from behind in the final game of their pre-season tour to Asia. But Arne Slot has much to ponder about a defensive line yet to truly flow as Asahi Uenaka put Yokohama in front early in the second half with the Japanese outfit fashioning plenty of chances. However the Reds' class eventually told as Wirtz levelled from Mo Salah 's centre before sub Nyoni, 18, produced a fine first-time finish to convert Jeremie Frimpong's beautifully weighted cross. Ngumoha, 16, then went on a mazy dribble and fired home from the edge of the area late on to seal a 3-1 victory. The goals came long after Hugo Ekitike's debut was brought to a close after 45 minutes, while Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister made their returns off the bench. Here are the talking points from Nissan Arena. Ekitike bow The latest summer signing found clear sights of goal at a premium during his first 45 minutes in the red shirt, with a cheeky backheel his only threatening moment inside the penalty area. But there was no shortage of endeavour from the France U21 striker as he dropped deep, put in some notable work off the ball and linked up nicely with Florian Wirtz on a couple of occasions. Nunez misstep The Uruguayan, who continues to be linked with a move away, was given his first minutes of pre-season as Ekitike's half-time replacement - only to contrive to miss a really good chance not long before Liverpool fell behind. It came from a great Salah pass but, having done well to stay onside, Nunez sidefooted carelessly wide when under no tight pressure. It summed up why he is now far down the pecking order and hardly convincing evidence into him being kept as an impact player. Pitch complaints And Nunez could not even blame an awful surface that was cut up from the beginning with a matchball that appeared to have a mind of its own as it bounced and bobbled awkwardly. Simple passes were inadvertently misdirected, there were some horror first touches. And the only positive was that no one appeared to pick up an injury because of a field more akin to a recently ploughed farmer's plot than a professional football pitch. Defensive concerns Despite those dodgy conditions Slot will be mildly concerned by how slack Liverpool's marking appeared at times - especially on the counterattack having shipped four to a Milan team at the weekend that had appeared blunt against Arsenal. With Alisson Becker b ack home to tend to a personal matter, new signing Giorgi Mamardashvili acquitted himself well in his debut outing - making one notable save from Dean Davi's header nearing half-time. Yet there was not much he could do about Asahi Uenaka's goal as Ren Kato drew Ibrahima Konate out of position before slotting a through ball behind Curtis Jones for Uenaka to finish low and firm into the far corner. Nyoni shines The big name arrivals have led to suggestions that the next generation of stars will find it hard to break through. That could well be true once the real stuff gets underway next month but Nyoni and Ngumoha are doing their case for inclusion no harm at all. Full of confidence, Nyoni took the second goal really well and almost grabbed another following some neat trickery down the inside left channel. Ngumoha's dribble and finish for the late third was the game's standout moment. While their hosts had tired and no Premier League side will offer so much time and space, it was top quality attacking play. Chances to shine may be limited to the Cup competitions but the signs are very, very promising for these particular youngsters.
BBC News
6 minutes ago
- BBC News
Asiimwe signs Charlton deal and joins Dons on loan
Charlton Athletic defender Nathan Asiimwe has signed a new contract and joined AFC Wimbledon on a season-long full-back, 20, has signed a two-year deal with the Championship club, who have an option to extend the contract by a further will spend the coming season with the newly-promoted League One side, managed by former Charlton player and boss Johnnie ended last season on loan at Walsall and was part of the Saddlers side pipped to promotion by the Dons in the League Two play-off final at Wembley. He also had a spell on loan at Hartlepool United last season and has made 28 appearances so far for Charlton's first team since graduating from their academy. Asiimwe told AFC Wimbledon's website, external: "This was an attractive opportunity for me because I know the gaffer briefly from Charlton."This is a step up to a new level for not just me but Wimbledon too, so this is a natural progression for me."I like to be energetic down the flanks and help out in both boxes where possible. I know I can defend well but also support the attack with good deliveries into the box."
