LONDON — The Premier League referee embroiled in English football's latest racism feud has been omitted from officiating duties for the second straight weekend. Mark Clattenburg has been accused by Chelsea of using “inappropriate language” toward midfielder John Obi Mikel in a league match against Manchester United on Oct. 28. The matter is being investigated by the police and the Football Association. Mike Riley, general manager of the organization that looks after topflight English referees, spoke to Clattenburg and said: “We both consider that it is in Mark's best interests that he has this week away” to help with ongoing inquiries. Riley said the Professional Game Match Officials had been “fully prepared to appoint Mark to matches,” having left him out for last weekend's games. Man held over ‘racist' gesture British police investigating an alleged racist gesture by a Chelsea supporter toward a black Manchester United player arrested a 28-year-old man Monday, Scotland Yard said. Several British newspapers last week printed a picture taken during Chelsea's dramatic 5-4 League Cup win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge Wednesday which appeared to show a fan making a monkey gesture at striker Danny Welbeck. “Officers investigating a complaint regarding alleged racist behavior at Stamford Bridge Wednesday, 31 October have arrested a man,” London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement. “The 28-year-old man was arrested ... after attending a west London police station by appointment. “He was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated Section 4A Public Order Act offense and currently remains in custody at the west London police station.” Kagawa out of Japan qualifier Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni dropped injured Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa from a 23-man squad he announced Monday for its World Cup qualifier against Oman away on Nov. 14. The Italian tactician, however, called up 13 other Europe-based stars including such regulars as CSKA Moscow playmaker Keisuke Honda, Inter Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo and Stuttgart striker Shinji Okazaki. Kagawa, 23, who moved from Borussia Dortmund last summer, injured his left knee in Manchester United's 3-2 Champions League win over Braga on Oct. 23. His Premiership club wants him to be out for four weeks. Okazaki is coming back to international duty after a foot injury forced him out of Japan's European tour last month, in which it beat France 1-0 but bowed 4-0 to Brazil. Zaccheroni also called up Takashi Usami, on loan to Hoffenheim from Bayern Munich, for the first time since June last year. But Wigan Athletic striker Ryo Miyaichi, who played the final few minutes against Brazil, failed to make the squad. In World Cup qualifying, Japan is leading Asian Group B with 10 points from three wins over Oman, Jordan and Iraq and a draw with Australia. — Agencies
