The psychological impact on the opposition was a major point of contention for Clattenburg, who felt the away side had every right to feel aggrieved. Reflecting on the dynamic and the tension it creates, he wrote: "If I’d been a Newcastle player, I’d have been upset and angry at seeing him inside the Chelsea huddle."
He stressed that while foul play is not suspected, the optics invite immense scrutiny. "Referees in this country might be incompetent but they aren’t corrupt, yet allowing this to happen can lead to unwanted accusations," Clattenburg argued. He further highlighted that when Cole Palmer "leans in and almost hugs Tierney while it happens," officials must be hyper-aware of the perception it creates.