Southampton reject verdict over Mark Clattenburg complaint

Southampton have said that they do not agree with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited's verdict regarding the conduct of referee Mark Clattenburg, after they received a complaint from the club.

The PGMOL said earlier that Clattenburg "has no case to answer" after he was accused of making an insulting remark to Adam Lallana during Southampton's match against Everton.

The Premier League club have requested that Clattenburg does not officiate any of their matches until the matter is closed.

"An official insulting any player, no matter his intentions, is clearly not acceptable behaviour," a statement from Southampton read.

"For this reason we do not accept the verdict in relation to this case, and we do not consider the matter to be over.

"We do not feel it is appropriate for Mr Clattenburg to officiate any of our matches until this matter is resolved."

Southampton lost the match in question 2-1 at Goodison Park.