Mark Clattenburg sits out second round of Premier League games

Mark Clattenburg

Mark Clattenburg will miss a second round of Premier League matches as the FA and Metropolitan Police investigate alleged "inappropriate language".

Chelsea accused the referee of using an offensive racial term during the 3-2 defeat by Manchester United last month.

Mike Riley, Professional Game Match Officials Limited general manager, was happy for Clattenburg to officiate.

But after the pair held talks it was decided "it is in Mark's best interests" to sit out this weekend.

Riley said: "PGMOL was fully prepared to appoint Mark to matches this weekend.

"However, having discussed this with him, we both consider that it is in Mark's best interests that he has this week away from officiating duties while he prepares to help the FA and police with their enquiries."

Last week Chelsea said the complaint was made following a thorough investigation, which they claimed was led by outside legal counsel and used information from interviews with Blues players and staff.

Clattenburg maintains he is innocent and neither of his assistants, nor the fourth official, are backing Chelsea's allegations.

The Metropolitan Police also started an investigation into the allegations after receiving a complaint from a source outside the game.