Southampton do not want Mark Clattenburg to officiate any of their games until the latest controversy surrounding the referee has been resolved. Although Clattenburg has been cleared by the referees' official body of acting inappropriately towards Southampton's captain, Adam Lallana, in the 2-1 defeat at Everton last Sunday, the club reacted angrily to that decision and have vowed to pursue the matter. There is a feeling from within the club that decisions have gone against them when refereed by Clattenburg in the past.

A letter of complaint was sent by Southampton to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) on New Year's Eve, claiming that Clattenburg allegedly told Lallana: "You are very different now, since you've played for England – you never used to be like this."

An investigation was launched into the incident but the PGMOL has ruled there is no case for Clattenburg to answer. The PGMOL falls under the Premier League's umbrella. They could take their case to the Football Association but are not expecting a different outcome. The game's governing body has not received a complaint from the club yet.

A PGMOL statement said: "PGMOL is committed to constructive dialogue and communication with clubs, managers and players. On 31 December PGMOL received a letter from Southampton who raised concerns about the conduct of Mark Clattenburg following their game with Everton on 29 December.

"In a written response to Southampton PGMOL acknowledge that their complaint has been considered in full. However, given the nature of the conversation with the player, having reviewed the footage and spoken to the team of officials as well as the Premier League match delegate it has been found that there is no case to answer. Mark has the full support of PGMOL management and will be considered for selection for all and any matches going forward in the usual way."

For the time being, Southampton have requested that Clattenburg is not handed any of their matches. The game at Everton was Clattenburg's first game at Goodison in seven years following a controversial Merseyside derby. A club statement said: "An official insulting any player, no matter his intentions, is clearly not acceptable behaviour. For this reason we do not accept the verdict of the PGMOL in relation to this case, and do not consider the matter to be over.

"Under the circumstances we do not feel it appropriate for Mr Clattenburg to officiate in any of our matches until this matter is properly resolved."

The incident was alleged to have taken place when Lallana, who made his England debut in November, spoke to Clattenburg after Southampton were denied two penalties at Goodison Park. Southampton's manager, Mauricio Pochettino, was furious afterwards and suggested that decisions are going against them because of their young, friendly image. Pochettino did not appear before the press on Friday and his assistant, Jesus Pérez, would not answer questions about Clattenburg.

Last season the 38-year-old referee was accused of racially abusing Mikel John Obi by Chelsea after their 3-2 defeat at home to Manchester United. Clattenburg sent off two Chelsea players in a controversial match but an FA inquiry concluded that he was innocent and had not called Mikel a monkey. Chelsea later expressed regret over the incident.