Mark Clattenburg to referee Southampton match for first time since 'you've changed' comments to Adam Lallana

Saints were furious with the remarks and said the official should not take their games in future

Agency
Monday 17 February 2014 13:02 EST
Comments
Mark Clattenburg, right, and Adam Lallana, left, the men at the centre of a farcical controversy
Mark Clattenburg, right, and Adam Lallana, left, the men at the centre of a farcical controversy (AFP/Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Mark Clattenburg is to referee Southampton's game at West Ham on Saturday, the first time he will have taken charge of a Saints game since they filed an official complaint against him.

The Durham official angered Saints when, during their defeat to Everton on December 29, he told captain Adam Lallana: "You are very different now, since you've played for England - you never used to be like this."

The club reported those comments to referees' governing body PGMOL and insisted it would be difficult for Clattenburg to take charge of their matches in future, but the referee was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Clattenburg was previously cleared of a complaint by Chelsea that he racially abused their player John Obi Mikel and has since taken charge of games involving the London club.

The latest complaint was also dismissed after investigation by PGMOL and the Football Association.

An FA statement last month read: "The FA can confirm it received a complaint from Southampton concerning referee Mark Clattenburg and his alleged comments made to their player Adam Lallana.

"The FA has given its full consideration to this matter and it is our view that the comments, as disclosed in Southampton's letter of complaint, do not constitute misconduct under the FA's rules.

"Consequently, The FA will not be taking any further action in relation to this matter and now considers this case to be closed."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in