Mentioned why the whistle went too soon? (8)
I believe the answer is:
referred
'mentioned why' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I don't see how one could define the other.
'whistle went too soon?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'went' could be 'erred' (erring is a kind of going) and 'erred' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ref' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for referred that I've seen before include "Adverted, cited" , "appealed against" , "Passed on (for decision)" , "Brought up, mentioned" , "Directed for information or made mention" .)