Clattenburg

[TheElephantMan]

I don't trust Chelsea or the FA. Imagine if an FA appointed match official really had called a black player a monkey! I just think that the whole thing is out of control - the FA had an opportunity to bring some sense to the issue, but it's too late now. They have no-one else to blame but themselves. Any player who now plays the race card must be taken seriously and the "offender" has to be punished whether there is evidence or not.

[ChesterDave]

All four officials - the referee, his two assistants and the fourth official - wear microphones and ear pieces that allow them to hear what each other is saying throughout the match, although what is said between them is not recorded.

So the evidence will be inconclusive and he'll walk as always happens with the FA... Oh wait.

[TheElephantMan]

On the balance of probability the referee is guilty and the FA must now ban themselves for eight matches or four because they're British.

[Lisburn Red]

On the balance of probability the referee is guilty and the FA must now ban themselves for eight matches or four because they're British.

[peekay]

If, and a big If this is proven to be true, then the game must be replayed.

[Liverpel]

If, and a big If this is proven to be true, then the game must be replayed.

I agree but I doubt if it will.

[Exiled_red]

If, and a big If this is proven to be true, then the game must be replayed.

That's never going to happen.

[Exiled_red]

If as some people are suggesting the phrase used is 'cheeky money' this could get very interesting, as that is a phrase I have heard alot and never in a racial context, but it is easy to see how it could be taken that way in this context. If that is what he said I would guess that he didn't mean it in a racial context. However it leaves the FA with a problem, after the Suarez case they said that context/cultural references don't matter, and stripping these away whether intentionally or not the accusation is that he called a player a monkey, which is totally unacceptable.

[TheElephantMan]

If as some people are suggesting the phrase used is 'cheeky money' this could get very interesting, as that is a phrase I have heard alot and never in a racial context, but it is easy to see how it could be taken that way in this context. If that is what he said I would guess that he didn't mean it in a racial context. However it leaves the FA with a problem, after the Suarez case they said that context/cultural references don't matter, and stripping these away whether intentionally or not the accusation is that he called a player a monkey, which is totally unacceptable.

they have to apply the same rules surely?

[TheElephantMan]

I could see a situation where non-black players and match officials are discouraged from all forms of communication with black players for fear of allegations of racism.

[Alex]

I don't know about the racist allegations, but leaving that aside. If it was just swearing and abuse. It is no different to the sort of things he gets I guess. Ref's get a bad time of it, mostly for their decisions. But having 22 blokes scream at you 2 or 3 times a week must be wearing. Im not surprised he lashed out if its true.

[TheElephantMan]

I think the "inappropriate language" refers to use of the word monkey which clearly has racial connotations.

[The_weatherman]

If as some people are suggesting the phrase used is 'cheeky money' this could get very interesting, as that is a phrase I have heard alot and never in a racial context, but it is easy to see how it could be taken that way in this context. If that is what he said I would guess that he didn't mean it in a racial context. However it leaves the FA with a problem, after the Suarez case they said that context/cultural references don't matter, and stripping these away whether intentionally or not the accusation is that he called a player a monkey, which is totally unacceptable.

they have to apply the same rules surely?

I could see a situation where non-black players and match officials are discouraged from all forms of communication with black players for fear of allegations of racism.

The FA are in so much trouble, this is spinning out of control and it all started with their shameful handling of Suarez case. They can't continue on the same course though, it will ruin the game, that and poor refereeing decisions.

I know many people stopped watching the F1 after that Ferrari scandal some time back, this will happen to football, no-one is goign to watch a blatantly corrupt sport for long.

[Tee]

I could see a situation where non-black players and match officials are discouraged from all forms of communication with black players for fear of allegations of racism.

You are kidding right?

[Tee]

I don't know about the racist allegations, but leaving that aside. If it was just swearing and abuse. It is no different to the sort of things he gets I guess. Ref's get a bad time of it, mostly for their decisions. But having 22 blokes scream at you 2 or 3 times a week must be wearing. Im not surprised he lashed out if its true.

Its ok to lash out, but there is absolutely no excuse for bringing race into it. Lifetime ban for Clattenburg if this is proven, no doubt at all.