Football boss cleared of 'racism'

Allen was appointed Cheltenham manager in September 2008

Cheltenham Town manager Martin Allen faces no police action over an alleged incident outside a nightclub which led to him being put on "gardening leave".

Mr Allen, 44, was asked to stay away from his duties at the League Two football club since the incident, alleged to have involved racial abuse.

The club said he would remain on leave despite Gloucestershire Police closing their investigation.

The force said no action would be taken following a "thorough investigation".

Assistant manager John Schofield remains in caretaker charge of the first team.

'No complaint'

A Cheltenham Town spokesman said the club would not be releasing any more information on the matter at present.

Mr Allen, who has previously managed Barnet, Brentford and Leicester and who played for clubs including Queens Park Rangers and West Ham, was appointed Cheltenham manager in September 2008.

He was put on garden leave by the club after allegations that he racially abused a nightclub bouncer, which he has vehemently denied.

Gloucestershire Police said it had thoroughly investigated the alleged incident - said to have happened on 19 September in Cheltenham - and spoken to a number of witnesses.

"Officers also formally interviewed the alleged offender on Friday 6 November.

"The alleged victim made no formal complaint and the decision has now been made to take no further action," the police spokesman added.

The League Manager's Association issued a statement saying Mr Allen would not be making any further comment on the matter.