Clattenburg Cleared Of Football Racism Claim

The FA has said it will not take disciplinary action against referee Mark Clattenburg after an alleged racist comment.

Chelsea midfielder, Ramires Santos do Nascimento, said he heard Clattenburg tell teammate John Obi Mikel "shut up you monkey" during the October 28 match against Manchester United.

The Football Association said it has "concluded its investigation into alleged misconduct by Mark Clattenburg ... No disciplinary action will follow against Mr Clattenburg."

The FA statement added that it believed the complaint by Ramires had been made in good faith.

It said: "It is entirely possible for a witness to be genuinely mistaken and convincing in his belief."

But the FA did charge Mikel for an alleged use of abusive language around the match officials' changing room following the match.

Following the FA decision, Clattenburg said: "I'm looking forward to putting this behind me ... To know you were innocent of something but that there was the opportunity for it to wreck your career was truly frightening."

He added: "I know first-hand the ramifications of allegations of this nature being placed into the public domain ahead of a formal process and investigation. I hope no referee has to go through this in the future."

Explaining their decision, the FA said Ramires' evidence was not supported by any other evidence.

"Moreover it was contradicted by other witnesses and does not cross the evidential threshold required to bring a charge against Mark Clattenburg," it said.

Chelsea FC said it accepted the FA's ruling. A statement said: "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."

On the charge against Mikel, the club added: "While the player does not deny the charge, he will request a personal hearing to explain the mitigating circumstances."