logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2025
1h 26m

Mark Clattenburg: From Death Threats to ...

High Performance
About this episode

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has seen it all, from Champions League finals to handling the world’s biggest football stars under immense pressure. But behind the badge is a story shaped by survival, scrutiny, and sacrifice.


In this episode, Mark opens up about the mental toll of refereeing, the loneliness that comes with the job, and the weight of every decision made under the glare of millions. He reflects on his journey from a tough childhood to managing the chaos of modern football, both on the pitch and online.


He also shares the reality of dealing with abuse, the pressure from media and fans, and how he built trust with players to take control of the game without backing down.


This is powerful insight into the pressure, psychology, and resilience needed to thrive in one of football’s toughest roles.


Mark's new podcast 'Whistleblowers' is out now.


🚨 Partners


Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1


Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it. Use HP50 here: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50


HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation


HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events


Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Nov 21
Stop Caring What Everyone Thinks
<p>Most of us care far too much about what other people think, and it’s holding us back.</p><br><p>In this episode, Jake and Damian break down how to free yourself from the need for approval, drawing on powerful insights from Adam Grant, Fernando Alonso, Mat Fraser, Mark Manson, ... Show More
26m 35s
Nov 19
Why Fear Is Not a Weakness: UFC Champion Tom Aspinall
<p><em>Win a behind-the-scenes experience at a High Performance record day! Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off to be in with a chance of winning: </em><a href="https://hppod.co/HPComp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>htt ... Show More
27m 54s
Nov 17
Zak Brown: The Deal That Kept McLaren Alive and How I Rebuilt the Team (E379)
<p>McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown returns to High Performance to reveal the truth behind McLaren’s remarkable comeback, from financial crisis and public doubt to rebuilding one of Formula One’s most iconic teams.</p><br><p>He opens up to Jake and Damian about stepping into chaos, r ... Show More
1 h
Recommended Episodes
May 2025
Henry: Arsenal Glory, Barca Battles & Premier League Legacy | Stick to Football EP 85
In this episode of Stick to Football brought to you by Sky Bet, Gary, Roy, Jill, Ian, and Jamie sit down with football legend Thierry Henry.Henry shares candid insights on his illustrious career, from his early days to his legendary time at Arsenal and Barcelona. He reflects on t ... Show More
1h 25m
Mar 2025
Why Konaté Should've Seen Red | Salah Ballon d’Or at Liverpool? | Nwaneri Generational Talent
<p>Yes guys! Welcome to Rio Reacts, delivered by Just Eat and Pepsi Max, where I give you my raw and unfiltered reaction to the biggest talking points from Europe’s biggest stage. Joined by my good mate and the voice of football, Darren Fletcher, we dive deep into the heart of th ... Show More
33m 49s
Oct 13
The Overlap Live from Rome with Marcel Desailly!
Welcome to a special episode of The Overlap, live from Rome at the European Football Clubs (EFC) convention, with a live audience and special guest, former Chelsea, AC Milan and France legend Marcel Desailly.The team kick things off by discussing club ownership, asking what makes ... Show More
43m 13s
Nov 12
CARLO ANCELOTTI: Coaching the World’s Best, Five Champions Leagues Titles & The Truth About Jude Bellingham
Who are the best players Carlo Ancelotti has played and worked with in his incredible career? What's his secret to being so successful in the Champions League? Why are some of the rumours about Jude Bellingham so wrong? Gary is joined by the coolest man in football and current Br ... Show More
37m 47s
Feb 2025
United A Mess, Faith Lost in Arsenal & Title Race Over? | Stick to Football 72
<p>Welcome to today’s fiery episode of Stick to Football brought you by Sky Bet.</p><br><p>Gary, Jamie, Roy, Jill and Ian tackle some of football’s biggest talking points. The panel debate Manchester United’s ongoing struggles both on and off the pitch. Arsenal also takes centre ... Show More
1h 15m
Sep 29
Brilliant Crystal Palace Hand Liverpool First Defeat, Arsenal’s Massive Win At The Death & Amorim Next To Go?
Could this season be the best ever in Crystal Palace’s history? How crucial will Arsenal’s last minute winner be for their belief, after it had been brought into question recently? How much longer can this run of form last for Man United before Ruben Amorim gets the boot? Gary, A ... Show More
45m 17s
Oct 2
Sir Kenny Dalglish: Liverpool, Advice for Wirtz & Starting at Celtic | Stick to Football EP 96
Welcome back to Stick to Football, brought to you by ARNE.In this episode, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane, Jill Scott and Ian Wright are joined by one of the greatest to ever play the game, Sir Kenny Dalglish.Kenny reflects on his early career at Celtic, including what ... Show More
1h 35m
Oct 20
Man Utd’s Statement Win At Liverpool, Forest In A Mess After Sacking Postecoglou & Mateta’s Anguish Despite A Hat-Trick
Can Man Utd maintain that level after their best performance under Ruben Amorim? Where do Nottingham Forest go next after creating such a volatile situation around Ange Postecoglou? Why were the guys so impressed with Jean-Philippe Mateta, despite him missing a late chance to win ... Show More
57m 5s
Oct 7
Rashford’s First La Liga Goal Not Enough For Disappointing Barcelona, Vini Jr Finding His Form At Real & Atlético Madrid Causing Their Own Problems
Was that one of Barcelona’s worst performances under Hansi Flick? What did the guys make of Kylian Mbappe letting Vinicius Jr take the Real Madrid penalty in their win over Villarreal? What was Clement Lenglet doing picking up such a needless second yellow card so early in the ga ... Show More
32m 9s
Oct 24
Liverpool’s Crucial Win, Chelsea’s Youngsters Shine & Arsenal Thump Atlético Madrid
Does Alexander Isak’s injury solve a short-term headache for Liverpool? Are Chelsea finally building a squad capable of competing for the biggest trophies? Did Arsenal show they’re one of the favourites for the Champions League after a big win against Atlético Madrid? Gary, Alan ... Show More
31m 32s