Racism: Referee cleared, Mikel charged

The Football Association has cleared referee Mark Clattenburg of using “inappropriate language” towards Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.

But Mikel, 25, has been charged by the FA with misconduct following his involvement in the incident.

The Blues had claimed Clattenburg directed racial language at Mikel in their home defeat by Manchester United.

Clattenburg said it was “truly frightening” to have faced the prospect that his career might be over.

Following the match at Stamford Bridge on October 28, the FA interviewed Clattenburg, Mikel and several other Blues players before reaching its decision to clear the official and charge the Nigerian.

“It is alleged that in or around the match officials’ changing room at the end of the fixture, Mikel used threatening and/or abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour,” an FA statement read.

Mikel has until Friday, 30 November to respond. Chelsea have indicated he will not deny the charge but will request a hearing to “explain the mitigating circumstances”.

The evidence for Chelsea’s allegation towards Clattenburg came from their midfielder Ramires who, when interviewed, explained that his instinctive reaction was to seek confirmation from Mikel as to what the referee said.

Mikel, who was being spoken to by Clattenburg, was much closer than Ramires and did not hear what it is suggested was said to him.

The two assistant referees and the fourth official revealed they did not hear any of the comments Clattenburg was accused of making, despite being linked up to the referee via microphones.

An FA statement also said the complaint by Mikel’s team-mate Ramires was “made in good faith”.

Clattenburg, 37, has always maintained his innocence and the Metropolitan Police dropped its own inquiry earlier this month.

He missed four weekends of Premier League matches while the FA investigated Chelsea’s complaint.

“I am looking forward to putting this behind me and concentrating on refereeing in the Premier League and other competitions,” said Clattenburg.

“The messages of encouragement from those inside and outside of the game have helped me through the most stressful time of my professional life.

“To know you were innocent but 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.”

Punch Nigeria