Referee conversations to be recorded

LONDON - Referees chief Mike Riley has confirmed Premier League plans to record all match officials’ conversations during games in the wake of the Mark Clattenburg incident.On Thursday, the Football Association announced referee Clattenburg will not face disciplinary action over a complaint of the use of inappropriate language directed towards Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.The FA decided there is “no case to answer” over an allegation the referee said “shut up you monkey” to Mikel during Chelsea’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. Clattenburg could return to refereeing next week.The episode has led to plans for private recordings of conversations between officials. Riley, general manager of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), said: “It is PGMOL’s considered view that Mark is completely exonerated of the allegation and he will return to active duty shortly without any stain on his character or reputation.“The verbal and visual facts do not support any of the allegations made against him. They make it clear that Mark did not use any inappropriate language towards any Chelsea player.“Regrettably, Mark has had to endure four weeks that have brought massive disruption to his professional and personal life through no fault of his own.

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Referee conversations to be recorded