BBC Gladiators: Viewers complain on Mark Clattenburg call

This concerned the opening game of 'Duel' where contestant Wesley went up against the gladiator Giant.

Duel concerns two people standing on opposing podiums up in the air holding pugil sticks, with the objective of knocking them off their platform.

Wesley did well to hold his own against Giant, who stands at a height of six feet and five inches, with the gladiator having to use his pugil stick to hold his balance.

The Great British public watching Mark Clattenburg in John Anderson’s spot. #Gladiators pic.twitter.com/kkMxKTZyC0

— John Watts (@JA_Watts) January 14, 2024

Giant eventually knocked Wesley off with one second remaining, but there was contention over Giant touching is pugil stick on Wesley's platform.

However, despite this Clattenburg ruled there was no foul play, to the dismay of some viewers.

Viewers angry at Clattenburg decision in Gladiators semi-final

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, some viewers expressed their annoyance at the decision, comparing Clatternburg poorly to the referee from the 1990s show, John Anderson.

One person posted: "Shocking call from Clattenburg that. John Anderson would NEVER."

Another wrote: "Contestants will need to start hiring John Anderson to do grumpy press interviews about crap officiating."

Meanwhile, another shared: "I demand a review of Clattenburg's nonsense decision there".

Many viewers were gutted for Wesley, with one writing: "Mark Clattenburg showing there why he is no longer a premier league referee. Wesley was robbed!"

Who are the new Gladiators?

There are 16 new Gladiators on the BBC reboot that contenders must deal with.

The new Gladiators are:

• Apollo (Alex Gray)
• Athena (Karenjeet Kaur Bains)
• Bionic (Matty Campbell)
• Comet (Ella-Mae Rayner)
• Diamond (Livi Sheldon)
• Dynamite (Emily Steel)

Gladiators Ready! Here’s your first look at the Gladiators line up. These 16 phenomenal Gladiators, in their impressive new costumes, are ready to take on the Contenders.

Are you ready? #Gladiators #GladiatorsTV pic.twitter.com/mzBEOpk5tx

— Gladiators (@GladiatorsTV) May 31, 2023

• Electro (Jade Packer)
• Fire (Montell Douglas)
• Fury (Jodie Ounsley)
• Giant (Jamie Christian Johal)

Recommended reading:

• Viewers enjoying 'class' Gladiators as it earns positive comparison to original
• Who were the original Gladiators in the 1990s TV show?

• Fans have mixed reaction to Gladiator playing up to 'pantomime villain' role

• Legend (Matt Morsia)
• Nitro (Harry Aikines-Aryeetey)
• Phantom (Toby Olubi)
• Sabre (Sheli McCo)
• Steel (Zack George)
• Viper (Quang Luong)

The three new referees for the series are Sonia Mkoloma, Lee Phillips and ex-Premier League football referee Mark Clattenburg.

The Gladiators finale will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 5:50pm on Saturday, March 30.