Former Premier League official Mark Clattenburg has raised concerns about Liverpool benefitting from a mistake made by referee Paul Tierney during their 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The crucial win, sealed by Darwin Nunez’s injury-time header, has propelled Jurgen Klopp’s team four points clear at the top of the Premier League table. However, Forest felt aggrieved as they believed a critical error influenced the outcome of the match.
In the lead-up to Nunez’s winning goal, the ball was given to Liverpool after Ibrahima Konate suffered a head injury. Despite Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi being in possession when play was halted, the ball was returned to Liverpool, sparking frustration among Forest officials.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis confronted referee Tierney after the final whistle, while Forest coach Steven Reid received a red card for approaching the official on the pitch.
Clattenburg, who was brought to Forest last month in an advisory role to assess referee performances, highlighted Tierney’s error after the defeat to Liverpool.
“The law is quite clear,” stated Clattenburg. “The referee is entitled to stop the game if he feels there is a head injury. However, the ball has to go back to the team that has possession. Nottingham Forest clearly had possession.
“Nottingham Forest should have had the ball back, and therefore possession of the ball. The game’s dynamics would have been completely different. Liverpool then capitalized on the situation and scored from it.
“You can understand the frustration. Things just seem to be going against Nottingham Forest Football Club at the moment. The owner is quite upset because they fought hard. He has invested a lot of money in the football club and wants to see results. He feels another decision has gone against the football club. Quite rightly, he’s upset. I think everybody is upset and sad they have lost in this way. Hopefully, luck will change in the future.”
Clattenburg’s remarks underscore the contentious nature of the decision and highlight the importance of accuracy in officiating to maintain fairness in football matches.
