International News

The Football Association have cleared referee Mark Clattenburg of using "inappropriate language" towards Chelsea's midfielder John Obi Mikel, but charged the Nigerian with misconduct following the incident.

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Chelsea claimed that Clattenburg had used racial language directed at the 25-year-old during their defeat to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 28.

Clattenburg maintained his innocence throughout and noted that it would have been "truly frightening" if his career was over following the incident.

Following the match, the FA interviewed several Chelsea players alongside Clattenburg and Mikel before deciding to charge the player instead.

"It is alleged that in or around the match officials' changing room at the end of the fixture, Mikel used threatening and/or abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour," an FA statement read.

He has until November 30 to respond to the charges, but Chelsea has already indicated that he will not dispute the charge but wishes to "explain the mitigating circumstances".

Chelsea's evidence against Clattenburg came from another midfielder, Brazilian Ramires, who explained during the FA interview that he asked for confirmation from Mikel as to what the referee said.

While Mikel was closer to the referee, he did not hear what was suggested was said to him.

Furthermore, the two assistant referees as well as the fourth official did not hear any of Clattenburg's comments either, despite being linked with microphones.

The FA statement added that the complaint made by Ramires was done so in "good faith".

The 37-year-old Clattenburg missed four weekends of officiating in the Premier League while the FA investigation took place.

"I am looking forward to putting this behind me and concentrating on refereeing in the Premier League and other competitions," he said.

"The messages of encouragement from those inside and outside of the game have helped me through the most stressful time of my professional life.

"To know you were innocent but there was the opportunity for it to wreck your career was truly frightening.

"Racism has no place in football and this experience should not discourage those to speak out if they genuinely believe they are a victim of abuse.

"However, there are processes that should be adhered to in order that any investigation can be carried out in a manner that is fair for all parties involved.

"I know first-hand the ramifications of allegations of this nature being placed into the public domain ahead of a formal process and investigation. I hope no referee has to go through this in the future."

A Chelsea statement following the FA announcement said:

"Chelsea Football Club accepts the Football Association's decision regarding Mark Clattenburg and welcomes the fact that the FA recognises the club and players were correct in reporting the matter.

"The club accepts the case is now concluded and notes the FA states the allegation was made in good faith.

"Chelsea FC has a duty of care, as do all employers, to act responsibly when such allegations are reported by employees.

"We did not take the decision to lodge a formal complaint with the FA lightly and followed the correct processes and protocols throughout."

Prospect, the referees union, have asked for a full apology and demands that full compensation be paid to Clattenburg following the verdict.

Earlier, Police launched an investigation into the incident of their own, which included claims that another Chelsea midfielder, Juan Mata, was verbally abused as well.

Chelsea initially backed the claims that Mata was involved as well, but later decided that there was insufficient evidence to support said claims.