Chelsea 'regret' over Clattenburg
thesun
Chelsea 'regret' over Clattenburg affair
But Blues stop short of saying sorry to ref
CHELSEA are still refusing to say sorry to ref Mark Clattenburg despite withdrawing claims of racial abuse.
The Blues yesterday attempted to draw a line under the affair in a statement with referees chiefs.
Chelsea alleged Clattenburg used inappropriate language towards midfielder John Obi Mikel during last months stormy 3-2 home defeat by Manchester United.
But Stamford Bridge officials have now admitted regret at being so hasty to make their accusation public.
It followed a meeting between all 16 Select Group Referees and Blues chairman Bruce Buck at the FAs St Georges Park complex on Monday.
The club also said they regretted the impact the intense media scrutiny had on Mark Clattenburg and his family.
However, the statement with the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd maintained the referees accepted the club had received a good faith claim from one of their employees and, as such, had an obligation to report it.
Brazilian midfielder Ramires, who made the complaint, continues to stand by his accusation.
Chelsea made it clear Clattenburg, who was cleared by the FA, would be welcome at Stamford Bridge and that PGMOL would have no issue in appointing him to take charge of one of their games.
Critical But the Blues do not feel able to apologise to the Durham official because to do so would be to admit Ramires, 25, was wrong.
It would also leave them open to possible legal action, not necessarily from Clattenburg, but possibly the Society of Black Lawyers who were highly critical of both Chelsea and the FA over the issue.
But Blues stop short of saying sorry to ref
CHELSEA are still refusing to say sorry to ref Mark Clattenburg despite withdrawing claims of racial abuse.
The Blues yesterday attempted to draw a line under the affair in a statement with referees chiefs.
Chelsea alleged Clattenburg used inappropriate language towards midfielder John Obi Mikel during last months stormy 3-2 home defeat by Manchester United.
But Stamford Bridge officials have now admitted regret at being so hasty to make their accusation public.
It followed a meeting between all 16 Select Group Referees and Blues chairman Bruce Buck at the FAs St Georges Park complex on Monday.
The club also said they regretted the impact the intense media scrutiny had on Mark Clattenburg and his family.
However, the statement with the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd maintained the referees accepted the club had received a good faith claim from one of their employees and, as such, had an obligation to report it.
Brazilian midfielder Ramires, who made the complaint, continues to stand by his accusation.
Chelsea made it clear Clattenburg, who was cleared by the FA, would be welcome at Stamford Bridge and that PGMOL would have no issue in appointing him to take charge of one of their games.
Critical But the Blues do not feel able to apologise to the Durham official because to do so would be to admit Ramires, 25, was wrong.
It would also leave them open to possible legal action, not necessarily from Clattenburg, but possibly the Society of Black Lawyers who were highly critical of both Chelsea and the FA over the issue.
