Clattenburg probe sparks debate on role of police

The Metropolitan Police decision to launch an official investigation into allegations referee Mark Clattenburg used inappropriate language against two Chelsea players has sparked a new debate over the role of police in football matters.

The pressure on Clattenburg is intensifying after police, acting on a complaint from the Society of Black Lawyers, opted to investigate whether the 37-year-old has a legal case to answer — even though the FA has already begun its own questioning of those involved.

The FA had been keen to act quickly following criticism that it took too long to deal with the John Terry case which took almost a year to resolve; primarily because police asked the football authorities to hold fire on their investigation for fear of prejudicing any court case.