LONDON (AP) — English referee Mark Clattenburg has been cleared of any wrongdoing after being accused by Southampton of insulting a player during a Premier League match.
The Football Association said in a statement Monday that Clattenburg’s comments “do not constitute misconduct” under the governing body’s rules. The FA added it will take no further action in the matter.
Clattenburg is one of English soccer’s most high-profile referees. He is a candidate to work this year’s World Cup in Brazil.
During Southampton’s match against Everton on Dec. 29, Clattenburg apparently said Adam Lallana’s attitude had changed since he started playing for England.
Clattenburg was accused by Chelsea last season of racially abusing a player during a game, but the FA cleared him that time as well.
