There is a saying that ‘all well if ends well,’ and it holds true with Chelsea who was in news for its complaint against referee Mark Clattenburg claiming he used offensive or rather racial language against its player John Obi Mikel. That incident created a storm among racial watchdogs of the society, especially English football association. Recently, all the charges against Mark Clattenburg were dismissed by governing body citing they did not find anything against him, disciplinary committee even held player himself responsible of such an incident if happened, coz despite being connected via microphones, no assistant referee or other officers listened the said words as leveled by Chelsea. Ever since the case was dismissed, Chelsea was on the back foot, and everybody was expecting it to regret about whole episode which has now happened – at last!
Now, Chelsea has openly accepted that it was wrong to exaggerate the issue which should have not done by a club like Chelsea. It also said; it has no issue with Mark Clattenburg if he is being appointed as referee for its matches now. Last Monday, Bruce Buck held an open discussion with all concerned officers of the issue, including Mark Clattenburg, assistant referees, and EPL’s chief executive Richard Scudamore. Later, they issued a joint statement that says, “The club regrets not having given more consideration. The club also regrets the subsequent impact the intense media scrutiny had on Mark Clattenburg and his family. There was recognition by all parties that the impartiality and integrity of refereeing in this country remains paramount. Chelsea FC made it clear they would welcome Mark Clattenburg back to Stamford Bridge in the future and would have no issue in appointing him to a Chelsea FC match going forward.”
However, Clattenburg admitted that Chelsea has right to take action against such kind of compliant provided it has been made in a good faith. For the time being, everything looks to be resolved, and both parties are praising each other, but the big question still remained unanswered, i.e., why these rising cases of racial abuses are happening now. Why governing bodies are not able to curb these inhuman acts from the finest game of sports. Looks, there is lack of a willpower; otherwise how it is possible that a player keeps abusing another despite FA warned him? Anyway, at the moment, Mark Clattenburg and his family would have immensely relieved.