Complaint against Clattenberg dismissed

Referee Mark Clattenburg will take charge of Saturday's FA Cup tie between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur despite a complaint made about his conduct by Southampton.

Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body that supplies match officials to the Premier League, said that Clattenburg had no case to answer despite Southampton’s claims he “insulted” their captain Adam Lallana during the club’s 2-1 defeat at Everton on Sunday.

“PGMOL is committed to constructive dialogue and communication with clubs, managers and players,” a statement said. “On 31st December PGMOL received a letter from Southampton who raised concerns about the conduct of Mark Clattenburg following their game with Everton on 29th December.

“In a written response to Southampton PGMOL acknowledge that their complaint has been considered in full.

“However, given the nature of the conversation with the player, having reviewed the footage and spoken to the team of officials as well as the Premier League Match Delegate it has been found that there is no case to answer.

“Mark has the full support of PGMOL Management and will be considered for selection for all and any matches going forward in the usual way.”

Southampton issued a statement on Friday saying they did not consider the “matter to be over”.

Southampton are understood to have complained that Clattenburg told Lallana: “You are very different now, since you’ve played for England — you never used to be like this.”

And the club have pledged not to let the matter lie.

A club spokesman said: “An official insulting any player, no matter his intentions, is clearly not acceptable behaviour. For this reason we do not accept the verdict of the PGMOL in relation to this case, and do not consider the matter to be over.

“Under the circumstances we do not feel it appropriate for Mr Clattenburg to officiate in any of our matches until this matter is properly resolved.”