Clattenburg left off Premier League referees’ list for fourth week in a row

Nov 19, 2012 10:00:00 PM

The controversy over allegedly racist remarks made to Chelsea midfielder Jon Obi Mikel rumbles on, as the official is left out of the action again while he awaits an FA verdict

Mark Clattenburg has been left off the Premier League referees’ list for the fourth week in a row as the Football Association’s investigation continues.

Clattenburg was reported to the FA by Chelsea for using "inappropriate language" - which was interpreted as racism - towards John Obi Mikel during the Blues’ 3-2 defeat at the hands of Manchester United.

The game was an ill-tempered affair, during which Clattenburg sent off two Chelsea players whilst the game was being hotly contested at 2-2.

The Stamford Bridge outfit originally complained that a second player, Juan Mata, was involved, but later withdrew this part of their allegation.

The Professional Game Match Officials Board originally stated that their reason for leaving the referee off the list was to avoid the risk of the 37-year-old detracting from the sport, as fans may focus on him as opposed to the sport.

Both Chelsea and the FA came under fire from the Society of Black Lawyers (SBA) for failing to notify the police of the incident.

The SBA took the step of doing so themselves, but the Metropolitan Police confirmed last Sunday that it had dropped its investigation into the alleged incident as they said that “no victims came forward”.

However, the FA investigation continues and a verdict is expected later this week.

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