Chelsea have issued a joint statement with referees body Professional Game Match Officials Limited and the Premier League in which they express their regret over their handling of the complaint of racist abuse against Mark Clattenburg.

Blues chairman Bruce Buck admitted that the club should have "given more consideration" about the allegations before making the allegations public, though they were right to report the matter to the Football Association.

Mark Clatternburg
Chelsea have expressed regret over the treatment of referee Mark Clattenburg [Reuters]

The FA decided to take no disciplinary action against Clattenburg, while the police also dropped their investigation into the claims that the referee had used 'inappropriate language' against Jon Obi Mikel.

A meeting on Monday was held at the new St George's Park facility as Buck met with PGMOL general manager Mike Riley and Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, the trio today releasing their join statement.

The statement reads: "Following the completion of the investigation by The FA into the case involving Chelsea FC and Mark Clattenburg, the Premier League and Chelsea FC requested, and PGMOL agreed, to meet in order to discuss the issues surrounding the reporting of the allegation.

"The Select Group appreciated the opportunity to speak to Bruce Buck personally. His willingness to engage and answer all the questions put to him was welcomed.

"There was a constructive and open discussion. The club regrets not having given more consideration before issuing a statement on the evening of Sunday 28th October. The club also regrets the subsequent impact the intense media scrutiny had on Mark Clattenburg and his family.

"The referees accept that, given Chelsea FC had received a good faith claim from one of their employees, the club had an obligation under FA rules to report the allegation.

"There was recognition by all parties that the impartiality and integrity of refereeing in this country remains paramount. Chelsea FC made it clear they would welcome Mark Clattenburg back to Stamford Bridge in the future and PGMOL would have no issue in appointing him to a Chelsea FC match going forward.

"It was a thoroughly professional meeting. All parties now believe it is time to draw a line under this incident, learn from it and move on for the good of all Premier League clubs, players and match officials."