CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB have today expressed their “regrets” over the way they complained of racist abuse by referee Mark Clattenburg.
The European champions, in a a joint statement with referees’ body Professional Game Match Officials Limited and the Premier League, admitted they should have “given more consideration” before making their allegation public.
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Last week the Football Association decided to take no disciplinary action whatsoever against Clattenburg following an investigation into Chelsea’s allegation he used “inappropriate language” against midfielder John Obi Mikel.
That followed an earlier decision by police to end their enquiries into the incident due to a lack of evidence.
“A meeting took place on Monday afternoon at St George’s Park between Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the Premier League and Chelsea Football Club,” the statement on the club’s website reads.
“PGMOL were represented by General Manager Mike Riley and all 16 Select Group referees, the Premier League by Chief Executive Richard Scudamore and Chelsea FC by Chairman Bruce Buck. This is a joint statement from all parties. Following the completion of the investigation by The FA into the case involving Chelsea FC and Mark Clattenburg, the Premier League and Chelsea FC requested, and PGMOL agreed, to meet in order to discuss the issues surrounding the reporting of the allegation.
“The Select Group appreciated the opportunity to speak to Bruce Buck personally. His willingness to engage and answer all the questions put to him was welcomed. There was a constructive and open discussion.
“The club regrets not having given more consideration before issuing a statement on the evening of Sunday, 28th October. The club also regrets the subsequent impact the intense media scrutiny had on Mark Clattenburg and his family.
“The referees accept that, given Chelsea FC had received a good faith claim from one of their employees, the club had an obligation under FA rules to report the allegation. There was recognition by all parties that the impartiality and integrity of refereeing in this country remains paramount. Chelsea FC made it clear they would welcome Mark Clattenburg back to Stamford Bridge in the future and PGMOL would have no issue in appointing him to a Chelsea FC match going forward.
“It was a thoroughly professional meeting. All parties now believe it is time to draw a line under this incident, learn from it and move on for the good of all Premier League clubs, players and match officials,” the statement concludes.
Too little too late
They attempted to ruin an honest mans career over a match
They are a disgrace to the game
Actually feel sorry for the decent Chelsea fans out there
Very nice of them to welcome Clattenberg back to the bridge, But does he want to go back ? They made a laugh of themselves can never be taken serious again .
David , Winston , get a grip . Can you not understand that under FA rules , Chelsea were OBLIGED to report this. That is a fact. I do not support Chelsea. They were obliged and they met their obligations.
Chelsea didn’t make it public. the FA did. hilariously enough three articles above this one is a comment on how 4 out 5 people fail to report incidents of racism.
Report what
I thought it was quite clear that nothing happened or nothing was said
Seems like a case of ‘ we lost , lets get the ref back ‘
Said it before but a point deduction is required here
if the ref did say ‘I don’t give a monkey’s’ it’s possible that Rameries, being Brazilian, made a mistake. English isn’t his first language keep in mind.
Rory backed up a bit and take ur head out of ur ass. Chelsea made a false report to both the police and the FA nearly ruined a mans career and brought and suffering on his family, and Chelsea “regret this” not good enough. Chelsea need to issue an unreserved apology and sit down with marks lawyer and a agree compensation. The FA also needs to take action on the form of a hefty fine and a 10 point deduction.
If a player iscarded and sent off and found not guilty on appeal then , by your logic, the ref who gave him a card ought to be punished. Lie is full of allegations and counter allegations. You cannot stop that
to be fair Ramires made the complaint as he’s told by the FA to do. it was the media circus and everyone jumping on the anti Chelsea populist bandwagon that dragged Clattenburgs name through the mud. This should have been handled privately by the FA and not made public in any way.
I read somewhere – online, of course – that what the ref actually said was ‘I couldn’t give a monkey’s…’. You could actually almost believe that to be true. Imagine…
in a way he called Torres a cheat by booking him for diving when replays clearly show he was tripped. Torres subsequently served a ban for that so I ask, where is Torres’ apology?
Weak words Chelsea now PAY UP. You owe this man a REAL apology and compensation for dragging his name through the mud so publicly and so willingly. Disgraceful shower of mice
@Rory . No I am not . I know nothing at all about him . But everyone is human and to be accused publicly and apparently wrongly would certainly leave a sour taste in my mouth !
They should be docked points with there lies it was clear from the outset this never happened it was them trying to get back at the fa over John terry.
Personally, I would sue both the players involved and CFC for defamation of character, loss of earnings etc.
However, I applaud the ref for his professionalism and can understand why he doesn’t.
Shame on you Chelsea. Your club is rotten to the core.
Chelsea have no class whatever. Racism is abhorrent: making false accusations of racism is equally abhorrent. The least Mikel can do is give Clattenberg a written apology. A ban and/or fine wouldn’t go amiss either.
Incredible how many people still can’t grasp the difference between reporting to the fa and reporting to the media and therefore don’t get the fundamental issue here!
hypothetical situation. you are a manager in an office and one of your staff reports to you that they heard another staff member racially abuse a colleague. Do you a) ignore them or b) follow the procedure for dealing with such complaints?
I’d go for option b of course. There is also option c which Chelsea chose… Report to the authorities while also alerting the nation’s media to cause maximum hysteria and slanderous humiliation to the accused as well as lots of earnings.
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Too little too late
They attempted to ruin an honest mans career over a match
They are a disgrace to the game
Actually feel sorry for the decent Chelsea fans out there
Very nice of them to welcome Clattenberg back to the bridge, But does he want to go back ? They made a laugh of themselves can never be taken serious again .
Can’t see him going back there for some reason
Engage brain, digest situation, engage mouth. Chelsea, fail.
A ‘regret’ is not an apology! Not enough done by Chelsea to rectify this situation…
David , Winston , get a grip . Can you not understand that under FA rules , Chelsea were OBLIGED to report this. That is a fact. I do not support Chelsea. They were obliged and they met their obligations.
^chelsea supporter.
Obliged to report it yes, to the FA, not the public.
Chelsea didn’t make it public. the FA did. hilariously enough three articles above this one is a comment on how 4 out 5 people fail to report incidents of racism.
Report what
I thought it was quite clear that nothing happened or nothing was said
Seems like a case of ‘ we lost , lets get the ref back ‘
Said it before but a point deduction is required here
if the ref did say ‘I don’t give a monkey’s’ it’s possible that Rameries, being Brazilian, made a mistake. English isn’t his first language keep in mind.
Rory backed up a bit and take ur head out of ur ass. Chelsea made a false report to both the police and the FA nearly ruined a mans career and brought and suffering on his family, and Chelsea “regret this” not good enough. Chelsea need to issue an unreserved apology and sit down with marks lawyer and a agree compensation. The FA also needs to take action on the form of a hefty fine and a 10 point deduction.
clattenburg missed the same amount of matchs and was innocent as terry did for being guilty.
If a player iscarded and sent off and found not guilty on appeal then , by your logic, the ref who gave him a card ought to be punished. Lie is full of allegations and counter allegations. You cannot stop that
Ban Mikel for 3 games…Its to easy to accuse without proof
It was Ramires made the allegation
to be fair Ramires made the complaint as he’s told by the FA to do. it was the media circus and everyone jumping on the anti Chelsea populist bandwagon that dragged Clattenburgs name through the mud. This should have been handled privately by the FA and not made public in any way.
Gamma, stop making excuses for Chelsea. They are 100% wrong in every way when it comes to this issue.
I read somewhere – online, of course – that what the ref actually said was ‘I couldn’t give a monkey’s…’. You could actually almost believe that to be true. Imagine…
Kevin Doyle tweeted that comment, so I’d say its true!!
Ah in fairness it’s not the first time
Clattenberg has said inappropriate remarks to/ about a chelsea player. I mean, he once called Torres a striker.
I’ll get my coat….
in a way he called Torres a cheat by booking him for diving when replays clearly show he was tripped. Torres subsequently served a ban for that so I ask, where is Torres’ apology?
Weak words Chelsea now PAY UP. You owe this man a REAL apology and compensation for dragging his name through the mud so publicly and so willingly. Disgraceful shower of mice
Should Chelski be deducted pointed for this farce they caused.
don’t think they were duty bound to walk into the press room and tell the press about it
They will probably regret it even more if he ever gets to referee another of their matches!!!!!
Mary , that is gross. Are you calling his professional ability into account?
@Rory . No I am not . I know nothing at all about him . But everyone is human and to be accused publicly and apparently wrongly would certainly leave a sour taste in my mouth !
They should be docked points with there lies it was clear from the outset this never happened it was them trying to get back at the fa over John terry.
Personally, I would sue both the players involved and CFC for defamation of character, loss of earnings etc.
However, I applaud the ref for his professionalism and can understand why he doesn’t.
Shame on you Chelsea. Your club is rotten to the core.
Wonder how many 50/50 decisions Chelsea will get for the rest of he season?
Chelsea have no class whatever. Racism is abhorrent: making false accusations of racism is equally abhorrent. The least Mikel can do is give Clattenberg a written apology. A ban and/or fine wouldn’t go amiss either.
Since it was Rameries that made the accusation and not Mikel, shouldn’t you be composing a written apology to Mikel right about now?
@ Gamma
Yes of course.
Apologies, Mikel.
Rest of my comment goes for Ramires instead.
Disgusting club.
I take it hammer time has nothing to do with west ham?
Incredible how many people still can’t grasp the difference between reporting to the fa and reporting to the media and therefore don’t get the fundamental issue here!
hypothetical situation. you are a manager in an office and one of your staff reports to you that they heard another staff member racially abuse a colleague. Do you a) ignore them or b) follow the procedure for dealing with such complaints?
I’d go for option b of course. There is also option c which Chelsea chose… Report to the authorities while also alerting the nation’s media to cause maximum hysteria and slanderous humiliation to the accused as well as lots of earnings.
*loss* of earnings I mean