7:31AM GMT 30 Oct 2012
Football Association to investigate Clattenburg allegations
The FA’s governance and regulation team will now gather evidence and conduct
interviews with key witnesses. The testimony of the Chelsea players,
especially John Obi Mikel and Juan Mata, will clearly be crucial, as will
the recollections of Mark Clattenburg, the two assistant referees and the
fourth official.
All available footage is likely to be requested from broadcasters. Lip-reading experts may also be sought. The evidence will then be considered by the FA’s legal team before deciding whether to issue formal disciplinary charges. As a participant in the game, Clattenburg is potentially subject to the same disciplinary procedures as a player. Any charges, then, would also be heard by an independent regulatory commission.
Police look into complaint against Clattenburg
A complaint has also been made to the Metropolitan Police although, as of
last night, no decision had been made on whether a formal investigation
should be pursued. The police are obliged to look at complaints, wherever
they come from, but not to launch an actual investigation. The complaint to
the police was not made by Chelsea but the Society of Black Lawyers. The Met
liaised yesterday with Chelsea and the FA and is expected to decide today
whether to investigate.
Chelsea to investigate fan behaviour and steward injury
With one of their stewards admitted to hospital and objects being thrown onto
the pitch, Chelsea announced an investigation on Sunday night. They have the
power to ban supporters from Stamford Bridge and have always maintained that
they have a zero-tolerance approach towards unacceptable behaviour at
matches.
Police probe fan behaviour and steward injury
The Metropolitan Police has already begun its investigation and it is
understood that CCTV footage was being studied yesterday, with particular
focus on how the steward came to be injured. Footage on Sky Sports News
appeared to show the steward being crushed against the hoardings and then
somehow thrown back towards the pitch. Police will try to establish if fans
were responsible for the injury and, if identification is possible, arrests
and prosecutions could follow.
FA investigates fan behaviour and steward injury
The FA also announced its own investigation and could, theoretically, issue
its own charges against Chelsea. Millwall, Birmingham and West Ham have all
been charged for the behaviour of fans in recent seasons.
