Chelsea Football Club regret not giving more consideration when dealing with the Mark Clattenburg affair.
During a Chelsea and Manchester United game, match referee, Mark Clattenburg, was accused by John Obi Mikel of racially abusing him and his team-mates. After the game, Mikel stormed into the referee’s dressing room and had a confrontation with Clattenburg which then led to a court case for racial abuse.
The FA and the police both dismissed the case and cleared Mark Clattenburg which allowed him to return to the game this weekend. He had previously missed games because of the case.
In response to Chelsea’s comments, the match officials have said they understand why they made the complaint after the allegations were made.
A joint statement made by all parties said: “There was a constructive and open discussion. The club regrets not having given more consideration before issuing a statement on the evening of Sunday 28th October.
“The club also regrets the subsequent impact the intense media scrutiny had on Mark Clattenburg and his family.
“The referees accept that, given Chelsea FC had received a good faith claim from one of their employees, the club had an obligation under FA rules to report the allegation.
“There was recognition by all parties that the impartiality and integrity of refereeing in this country remains paramount.
“Chelsea FC made it clear they would welcome Mark Clattenburg back to Stamford Bridge in the future and PGMOL would have no issue in appointing him to a Chelsea FC match going forward.
“It was a thoroughly professional meeting. All parties now believe it is time to draw a line under this incident, learn from it and move on for the good of all Premier League clubs, players and match officials.”
Mark Clattenburg will return to refereeing on Wednesday when Southampton face Norwich.
Alex William Batt
