By Andrew Warshaw
January 3 – Players are frequently seen to verbally abuse officials on the pitch but rarely does it happen the other way – not publicly at least. English Premier League team Southampton have made an official complaint, however, after accusing referee Mark Clattenburg of insulting their captain Adam Lallana in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Everton.
The visitors, who have been on a difficult streak of late after a fine run early in the season, had two penalties appeals turned down in the match but that does not appear to be the cause of their concern, even though they were furious.
According to reports, the club have asked Clattenburg to apologise for allegedly making an insulting remark to Lallana, recently called up to the England national squad.
The complaint was sent to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited – the body that oversees elite refereeing in England – and Southampton have asked not be officiated by Clattenburg again until the outcome of the investigation is complete.
The game was the first time Clattenburg had taken charge at Everton for six years having previously infuriated the home side with a series of decisions in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool in 2007.
Southampton are understood to feel that Clattenburg may have been under pressure on his return.
Mauricio Pochettino, their manager, suggested after Sunday’s game that his team were suffering because of their friendly image. “We don’t want to be judged by our young, handsome, good-looking players,” said Pochettino. “We just want what’s fair. We can be a——– as well.”
Last season, Clattenburg was the subject of a complaint by Chelsea over allegations he racially abused midfielder John Obi Mikel during their match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. A Football Association investigation concluded there was no case to answer. Clattenburg’s next game is the high-profile FA Cup north London derby clash on Saturday between Arsenal and Tottenham.
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