Ref’s race row case dropped by police
POLICE have shelved their investigation into Chelsea claims referee Mark Clattenburg racially abused Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel after no victim came forward.
The alleged incident, in last month’s Premier League match with Manchester United, is still being probed by the Football Association, which is expected to deliver its findings this week.
“Inquiries were made and no victims have come forward,” the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.
“The matter will remain as a recorded incident. Without a victim and/or any evidence that any offence has been committed, the matter cannot currently be investigated.
“If the situation changes and a victim and/or evidence to support an allegation of a crime comes to police attention, then further inquiries will, if appropriate, be made.”
Clattenburg has missed two weekends of fixtures and is set to miss a third since the controversy erupted hours after the heated fixture, in which he sent off two Chelsea players, on 28 October.
Chelsea complained to the Premier League’s match delegate and, following consultation with lawyers, the FA, although police became involved only after contact from the Society of Black Lawyers.