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Clattenburg stood down again

Mark Clattenburg will not be making his return to refereeing this weekend, as he prepares to fight serious allegations made against him by Chelsea.

Last Updated: 05/11/12 at 18:58 Post Comment

Mark Clattenburg: Due to meet with both the FA and police

Mark Clattenburg: Due to meet with both the FA and police

The official has not taken charge of a match since Chelsea say he used "inappropriate language" towards John Obi Mikel during their clash with Manchester United on 28 October.

The language is understood to have been interpreted as of a racist nature and the Football Association is currently investigating.

The Society of Black Lawyers have complained to the police about the incident and Clattenburg, who will meet with the FA and the police this week, has decided not to return to refereeing at the weekend.

Mike Riley, general manager of Professional Game Match Officials Limited, said: "PGMOL was fully prepared to appoint Mark to matches this weekend.

"However, having discussed this with him, we both consider that it is in Mark's best interests that he has this week away from officiating duties, while he prepares to help The FA and police with their enquiries."

Clattenburg, 37, is on FIFA's shortlist to be a match official at the 2014 World Cup and strenuously denies the accusations against him.

The police investigation was launched after Peter Herbert, from the Society of Black Lawyers, made a complaint to the Metropolitan force.

Herbert has confirmed the complaint was made on the basis of reports rather than first-hand evidence.

Relations improving

Despite the Clattenburg allegations, Riley is adamant that relations between players and officials are continuing to improve.

"PGMOL has one of the world's finest refereeing groups," he said. "They are focused on delivering high officiating standards to the Barclays Premier League and the overall morale of the group remains high.

"The relationship between players, managers and match officials has improved both on and off the pitch over the last four seasons and there is every reason to think this will continue."

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