Sports - Nigerian Mikel Obi Insist Ref Clattenburg Abused Him Racially
The Football Association has begun an investigation into allegations made by Chelsea against referee Mark Clattenburg following Manchester U...
http://www.africaeagle.com/2012/10/sports-nigerian-mikel-obi-insist-ref.html
The Football Association has begun an investigation into allegations made by Chelsea against referee Mark Clattenburg following Manchester United's 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have made a formal complaint against Clattenburg, accusing him of using "inappropriate language" towards two of their players on Sunday.
Clattenburg has not been picked to officiate at a match this weekend.
A statement from referees' body the Professional Game Match Officials board said: "PGMO believe that with any football match the focus should not be on the officials but on the players and the game itself.
"Mark Clattenburg is one of the elite referees in world football and, in these circumstances, the intense level of scrutiny would detract from the match and be unfair to the clubs and the supporters of both sides."
The FA issued a statement on Monday confirming it has launched an investigation, adding it will make "no further comment at this time".
It is understood midfielder John Mikel Obi is involved in the complaint.
Peter Herbert, the lawyer behind the potential black players' breakaway union, has made a written complaint to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) regarding the matter.
"Our information is that racist remarks were directed at John Mikel Obi and at Juan Mata. If so, that is wholly unacceptable in any circumstances," wrote Herbert.
"Although this matter may be investigated by the FA it is appropriate that the MPS independently see if a racially aggravated offence has occurred."
When Chelsea confirmed they would be making a complaint on Sunday, PGMO issued a statement confirming Clattenburg would co-operate with any investigation.
"PGMO is aware of the allegations and they are being treated with the utmost seriousness," the statement read.
"Mark will co-operate fully and welcomes the opportunity for the facts to be established."
Clattenburg, 37, is viewed by the PGMO as one of the country's leading officials and is on the Fifa list.
The Durham-born referee was put in charge of the League Cup final in February and the Olympic final between Brazil and Mexico in August.
Clattenburg has not been picked to officiate at a match this weekend.
A statement from referees' body the Professional Game Match Officials board said: "PGMO believe that with any football match the focus should not be on the officials but on the players and the game itself.
"Mark Clattenburg is one of the elite referees in world football and, in these circumstances, the intense level of scrutiny would detract from the match and be unfair to the clubs and the supporters of both sides."
The FA issued a statement on Monday confirming it has launched an investigation, adding it will make "no further comment at this time".
It is understood midfielder John Mikel Obi is involved in the complaint.
Peter Herbert, the lawyer behind the potential black players' breakaway union, has made a written complaint to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) regarding the matter.
"Our information is that racist remarks were directed at John Mikel Obi and at Juan Mata. If so, that is wholly unacceptable in any circumstances," wrote Herbert.
"Although this matter may be investigated by the FA it is appropriate that the MPS independently see if a racially aggravated offence has occurred."
When Chelsea confirmed they would be making a complaint on Sunday, PGMO issued a statement confirming Clattenburg would co-operate with any investigation.
"PGMO is aware of the allegations and they are being treated with the utmost seriousness," the statement read.
"Mark will co-operate fully and welcomes the opportunity for the facts to be established."
Clattenburg, 37, is viewed by the PGMO as one of the country's leading officials and is on the Fifa list.
The Durham-born referee was put in charge of the League Cup final in February and the Olympic final between Brazil and Mexico in August.
