Refs' union demands apology

Chelsea should apologise to Mark Clattenburg after he was cleared of using racist language to John Obi Mikel, according to his union.

Last Updated: 23/11/12 at 07:27 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Premier League. Click here to bet.

Mark Clattenburg: No case to answer

Mark Clattenburg: No case to answer

A Football Association investigation found the referee had "no case to answer" after the allegation, made by Mikel's team-mate Ramires in the wake of last month's home defeat to Manchester United, was contradicted by three other witnesses.

And both Clattenburg and Professional Referees' Union spokesman Alan Leighton reacted to the verdict by criticising Chelsea's decision to go public with their complaint.

A statement from the referee read: "To know you were innocent of something but that 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."

Leighton told Sky Sports News: "What we now need to happen is for Chelsea to accept the verdict, to fully apologise unreservedly to Mark for the actions they've taken in damaging his career and to compensate him for that.

"Furthermore, I think it would be right for them to make a donation to Show Racism The Red card and Kick It Out to help the fight against racism that we need to continue in football and elsewhere."

Clattenburg, who has not refereed since the complaint was made, will return to the list of available officials with immediate effect.

Bet with SkyBet  Premier League. Click here to bet.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m absolutely disgusted that I've been misquoted in saying that if a chance came up to join Arsenal I would be interested. What I meant to say is if Man United or Chelsea were interested......

gulliver
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Footer 365

Zidane: Bale one of world's best

Zinedine Zidane believes Gareth Bale is one of the best three players in the world and "more than good enough" for Real Madrid.

Lescott moves on from Mancini

Joleon Lescott has refused to discuss reports of disharmony at Manchester City under Roberto Mancini as he looks to focus on the future.

Neymar to consider next move

Neymar will take his time to make a decision about his future after Santos accepted two offers for the Brazil forward.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved