Referee Clattenburg cleared of racism allegation against Mikel Obi

English referee Mark Clattenburg was cleared by the Football Association on Thursday of using racist language towards a Chelsea player, causing more embarrassment for the European champions in a difficult week.

Chelsea went public and lodged a complaint with the FA last month over "inappropriate language" allegedly directed at their Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel by Clattenburg during the home Premier League defeat by Manchester United.

"The FA has concluded its investigation into alleged misconduct by Mark Clattenburg during the match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United FC on Sunday 28 October 2012. No disciplinary action will follow against Mr Clattenburg," an FA statement said.



MIKEL CHARGED

In a separate statement on Thursday, the FA said Mikel had been charged for breaching its rules.

"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," the FA said. "The player has until Friday 30 November 2012 to respond to the charge." - Reuters