By Andrew Warshaw
November 23 – European champions Chelsea, still reeling from the John Terry racism affair, have been plunged into the spotlight yet again for all the wrong reasons after English football authorities cleared referee Mark Clattenburg of using “inappropriate language” towards the club’s Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel.
And in a surprising twist, the Football Association (FA) turned the tables on Chelsea by charging Mikel himself with misconduct.
In a highly publicised case, featuring one of the world’s most experienced officials – Clattenburg (pictured top) is on the FIFA elite panel and took charge of the Olympic final at London 2012 – Chelsea had claimed he directed racial language towards Mikel in their highly charged 3-2 home defeat by Manchester United.
Chelsea midfielder Ramires said he heard Clattenburg tell Mikel: “shut up you monkey”, during the October 28 fixture.
Chelsea’s decision to report Clattenburg split public opinion and the FA interviewed Clattenburg, Mikel (pictured below, left) and several other Chelsea players before reaching a verdict.
The two assistant referees and the fourth official revealed they did not hear any of the comments Clattenburg was accused of making, despite being linked up via microphones.
Clattenburg, who has always maintained his innocence, said after the decision it was “truly frightening” to have faced the prospect that his career might be over.
Earlier this month, police dropped their own separate probe into the allegations.
Clattenburg has missed four weekends of Premier League matches while the FA investigated the complaint against him.
“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 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.”
In a statement, the FA said, “no disciplinary action will follow against Mr Clattenburg” but added it believed the complaint by Ramires had been made in good faith.
Explaining why Clattenburg had no case to answer, the FA said Ramires’ statement was not supported by any other evidence.
“Moreover, it was contradicted by other witnesses and does not cross the evidential threshold required to bring a charge against Mark Clattenburg,” it said.
But the FA did charge Mikel for an alleged use of abusive language close the match officials’ changing room following the fixture in which Clattenburg sent off two Chelsea players amid huge controversy, actions that virtually handed United victory on a plate.
Chelsea accepted the FA’s ruling regarding Clattenburg but said Mikel would be seeking a personal hearing “to explain the mitigating circumstances”.
In a statement forcefully defending its conduct, the club said: “The FA states Chelsea took the correct action following the Manchester United match and encourages all players who believe they have been either subject, or witness to discriminatory abuse, to report the matter immediately to the match officials on the day, and in turn to the FA.
“The club also notes the charge brought against John Mikel Obi.
“While the player does not deny the charge, he will request a personal hearing to explain the mitigating circumstances.
“With regards to the Mark Clattenburg decision, the club accepts the case is now concluded and notes the FA states the allegation was made in good faith.”
The episode has caused the Premier League to consider recording all match officials’ conversations in the future.
Former referee Mike Riley (pictured above), general manager of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), backed Clattenburg wholeheartedly but said a way had to be found to prevent a repetition of the incident.
“The verbal and visual facts do not support any of the allegations made against him [Clattenburg],” said Riley.
“They make it clear that Mark did not use any inappropriate language towards any Chelsea player.
“Regrettably, Mark has had to endure four weeks that have brought massive disruption to his professional and personal life through no fault of his own.
“We are all relieved that this is now behind him and that he can return to doing something that he loves.
“To reduce the risk of an episode of this nature being repeated, PGMOL will introduce recording of the referees’ communication system on a private basis.”
Meantime, referees’ union Prospect has demanded that Chelsea apologise to Clattenburg and compensate him.
Prospect chief Alan Leighton called for “a full and unreserved apology and compensation for loss of earnings, damage to reputation and stress”.
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