Premier League refereeing standards are under intense scrutiny. Controversial VAR decisions in recent matches, including disallowed goals for both Crystal Palace and Fulham against Chelsea, have sparked widespread debate. Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has weighed in on the issue. He suggests officials need more training and should rely less on VAR intervention.
Premier League officiating under fire
Mark Clattenburg has shared his concerns about the current state of Premier League refereeing with TBR Football. His comments follow criticism from Alan Shearer on The Rest Is Football podcast. Shearer questioned the use of VAR, particularly regarding the overturning of decisions that are not “clear and obvious errors.”
Shearer said: “You’re not going to re-referee, you’re not going to interfere and it’s only for the clear and obvious. Where have those three things gone? It’s bulls***. What has happened to the game? Tell me, what’s happened to those three things, please.”
Clattenburg responded by saying Shearer made some valid points regarding the criteria set by the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) and the use of VAR. Clattenburg believes that VAR officials are now re-refereeing matches. He specifically cited the disallowed Fulham goal against Chelsea as an example.
Mark Clattenburg calls for more training
Clattenburg also questioned Howard Webb’s decision to apologise to Fulham for the error. He stated that this sets a “dangerous precedent.” Clattenburg argued that other clubs have been wronged without receiving similar apologies.
“This season, the VAR’s are now doing the opposite and re-refereeing the match, especially in light of the disallowed Fulham goal v Chelsea. In the past, Howard Webb has apologised to other clubs as well – as he did with Fulham at the weekend – which I believe sets a dangerous precedent. Why did he feel the need to apologise to Fulham?”
Clattenburg noted Webb’s previous role managing refereeing in MLS (Major League Soccer) in America. He suggested that the Premier League requires a different management style. Clattenburg emphasized the need for more coaching and training for both referees and VAR officials. He believes this would lead to greater consistency in decision-making.
Concerns over reliance on VAR
Clattenburg wants referees to manage games and make important decisions, rather than relying on VAR. He oversaw 297 Premier League games during his career. In his opinion, the standard of officiating has declined. He believes the technology has arguably made referees worse.
Shearer was involved in the introduction of VAR to the Premier League in August 2019. At the time, the Premier League stated its philosophy was “minimum interference, maximum benefit, keeping the pace and passion we all know and love.” The Premier League also claimed that “most of the time, you won’t even notice” VAR.
With several controversial incidents occurring early in the 2025/26 season, Clattenburg’s comments highlight a growing concern. The Premier League must address these issues to restore confidence in officiating. Further training and a revised approach to VAR implementation appear necessary.
