The FA has dropped the Mark Clattenburg case after he was accused of racially abusing a Chelsea player. After the 3-2 loss at home for Chelsea, they complained to the English governing body about Mark Clattenburg using highly inappropriate language towards John Obi Mikel. The case was earlier dropped by the Metropolitan police.
Having considered Counsel’s opinion, and in view of all the circumstances of the case, The FA does not believe that there is a case for Mr Clattenburg to answer.
Equally The FA is satisfied that the allegation against Mark Clattenburg by Ramires was made in good faith. It is entirely possible for a witness to be genuinely mistaken and convincing in his belief.
The FA receives and investigates numerous allegations of misconduct over the course of a season. All allegations are properly investigated. It is not uncommon for investigations to lead to no disciplinary charge being brought.
The FA encourages all players who believe they have been either subject, or witness to, discriminatory abuse to report the matter immediately to the match officials on the day. Furthermore, all Participants are advised to report any such alleged misconduct to The FA. In this case, the player and club were correct in reporting the matter to The FA and it was appropriate and proper for such an allegation to be thoroughly investigated.
Meanwhile after the statement was released, Chelsea Football Club , released their own –
Chelsea Football Club accepts the Football Association’s decision regarding Mark Clattenburg and welcomes the fact the FA recognises the club and players were correct in reporting the matter.The FA states Chelsea took the correct action following the Manchester United match and encourages all players who believe they have been either subject, or witness, to discriminatory abuse to report the matter immediately to the match officials on the day, and in turn to the FA.The club also notes the charge brought against John Mikel Obi. While the player does not deny the charge, he will request a personal hearing to explain the mitigating circumstances.
With regards to the Mark Clattenburg decision, the club accepts the case is now concluded and notes the FA states the allegation was made in good faith.
In all honesty, Chelsea have to be happy that this case has ended as the club tries to bring their season back on track. All these scandals and controversies has shifted the club’s attention to needless and avoidable incidents.
