The Football Association has cleared referee Mark Clattenburg of any wrongdoing over the incident involving Southampton’s Adam Lallana.

In a statement from The FA, England’s governing body said:

“The FA can confirm it received a complaint from Southampton concerning referee Mark Clattenburg and his alleged comments made to their player Adam Lallana.

“The FA has given its full consideration to this matter and it is our view that the comments, as disclosed in Southampton’s letter of complaint, do not constitute misconduct under The FA’s Rules.

“Consequently, The FA will not be taking any further action in relation to this matter and now considers this case to be closed.”

Southampton filed a complaint with the PGMOL — the Premier League’s referee body — on New Year’s Eve but it was dismissed by the PGMOL. Southampton elevated the incident by then filing a complaint with The FA, but today’s decision will put the matter to rest.

Clattenburg allegedly said to Lallana that “You are very different now, since you’ve played for England – you never used to be like this.”

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