Match official conversations may be recorded in future, says Mike Riley - The Guardian

Mike Riley said that all match officials' conversations during games will be recorded, following the Mark Clattenburg furore.

Riley, general manager of PGMOL, the referees' body, said: "To reduce the risk of an episode of this nature being repeated PGMOL will introduce recording of the referees' communication system on a private basis."

Riley added: "We welcome the FA's announcement that Mark Clattenburg has no case to answer regarding the allegations made by Chelsea following their game against Manchester United. We would like to thank them for completing a thorough and efficient investigation in difficult circumstances.

"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. We are all relieved that this is now behind him and that he can return to doing something that he loves.

Alan Leighton, the national secretary of Prospect, the referees' union, would like Chelsea to apologise and compensate Clattenburg for what he has been through.

"There was no doubt he was innocent," he told Sky Sports News. "There are lessons to be learned. Mark is very upset that his reputation has been dragged through the mud by this process, there was no need for Chelsea to make the public aware of the allegation.

"There is also an issue of flimsiness about the evidence provided. We need Chelsea to accept the verdict, apologise to Mark and compensate him for that."