England, racism: investigation of referee Clattenburg closed

LONDON – The London police have closed the investigation against Mark Clattenburg, the referee of Chelsea-Manchester United accused by the Blues of having addressed two players with racist words. The investigation, started after the Premier game on October 28th, was closed due to lack of evidence: “There is no ‘victim'”, explains a Scotland Yard statement. “Without a victim there is no evidence that any kind of offense has been committed. If the situation changes and the police are again involved by someone who has been offended or by new evidence, further investigation will be initiated.”

Chelsea had accused the referee Clattenburg of heading towards midfielder John Obi Mikel during the game with terms that had been interpreted as racist (there was talk of the word “monkey”). The referee denied the accusation. However, the English Football Association still keeps the case open.

(September 14, 2012)