Manchester United's players, who won 3-2 at Stamford Bridge against nine-man Chelsea, are expected to be asked by the FA: 'What did you hear on - and off - the pitch'.
When Obi Mikel stormed into the referee’s room on Sunday evening, he believed he had every right to be angry with Clattenburg.
Chelsea had made a stand, wearing Kick It Out’s ‘One Game One Community’ T-shirts before one of the most prestigious fixtures in the Barclays Premier League.
It was a fresh start, with handshakes all round and an anti-racism badge pinned to John Terry’s jacket on the sidelines as he continued to serve a four-match ban for insulting Anton Ferdinand.
What followed is in danger of dragging the game back into the gutter, sparking bitter recrimination and — for the first time in the professional game’s history in England — an allegation of racism against a referee.
Mikel responded after team-mates David Luiz and Ramires told him they believed he had been racially abused by the FIFA official moments after he was booked at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel did not hear the alleged abuse, but Ramires and Luiz are prepared to make statements saying they did.
In the explosive scenes that followed the final whistle, Di Matteo and Gourlay had to stop Mikel attacking Clattenburg during the confrontation.
Heated conversations between Mikel and the referee had begun when Fernando Torres was sent off after being booked for ‘aggressive simulation’.
The central midfielder continued to cross swords with Clattenburg during the next few frantic minutes as he demanded an explanation for the decision.
Mikel wanted to know why Torres had been booked for a second time when Chelsea’s players were convinced he had been caught by Jonny Evans on his way through on goal in the 68th minute. When Clattenburg told Mikel to keep quiet and to get on with the game, the Nigeria midfielder continued to protest.
It is understood Mikel used words to the effect of: ‘Why can’t we stand up for ourselves, why can’t we challenge your decisions?’
The dismissal of Torres had reduced Chelsea to nine men, coming on top of the 63rd-minute red card for Branislav Ivanovic, and emotions were running high.
When Torres was sent off, Di Matteo and Sir Alex Ferguson clashed on the touchline as coaching staff from both clubs spilled into the technical area. Clattenburg appeared to have the game under control again until the moment Javier Hernandez scored United’s winner from an offside position in the 75th minute.
As United celebrated near the corner of the West Stand and Matthew Harding Stand, some Chelsea supporters threw coins and a seat on to the field.
Clattenburg soon restored order but Mikel was in his ear again and making the same complaints, saying the decision to send off Torres was the reason Chelsea would lose the game.
Clattenburg booked him for dissent in the 76th minute and it is at this moment that Ramires and Luiz allege they heard the midfielder being racially abused by a referee who is known for having a dismissive and patronising tone when he talks to players about their behaviour.
Mikel was immediately told about the allegation, but decided to wait until after the game to confront Clattenburg with the claims.
Chelsea had made a stand, wearing Kick It Out’s ‘One Game One Community’ T-shirts before one of the most prestigious fixtures in the Barclays Premier League.
It was a fresh start, with handshakes all round and an anti-racism badge pinned to John Terry’s jacket on the sidelines as he continued to serve a four-match ban for insulting Anton Ferdinand.
What followed is in danger of dragging the game back into the gutter, sparking bitter recrimination and — for the first time in the professional game’s history in England — an allegation of racism against a referee.
Mikel responded after team-mates David Luiz and Ramires told him they believed he had been racially abused by the FIFA official moments after he was booked at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel did not hear the alleged abuse, but Ramires and Luiz are prepared to make statements saying they did.
Trouble: John Obi Mikel stormed into Mark Clattenburg's room
Centre of the storm: Referee Mark Clattenburg and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel
Shocked: Juan Mata is unhappy with Clattenburg's alleged insult
Heated conversations between Mikel and the referee had begun when Fernando Torres was sent off after being booked for ‘aggressive simulation’.
The central midfielder continued to cross swords with Clattenburg during the next few frantic minutes as he demanded an explanation for the decision.
Mikel wanted to know why Torres had been booked for a second time when Chelsea’s players were convinced he had been caught by Jonny Evans on his way through on goal in the 68th minute. When Clattenburg told Mikel to keep quiet and to get on with the game, the Nigeria midfielder continued to protest.
John Terry watches from the stands as Ashley Young takes on Juan Mata
The dismissal of Torres had reduced Chelsea to nine men, coming on top of the 63rd-minute red card for Branislav Ivanovic, and emotions were running high.
When Torres was sent off, Di Matteo and Sir Alex Ferguson clashed on the touchline as coaching staff from both clubs spilled into the technical area. Clattenburg appeared to have the game under control again until the moment Javier Hernandez scored United’s winner from an offside position in the 75th minute.
As United celebrated near the corner of the West Stand and Matthew Harding Stand, some Chelsea supporters threw coins and a seat on to the field.
Clattenburg soon restored order but Mikel was in his ear again and making the same complaints, saying the decision to send off Torres was the reason Chelsea would lose the game.
Mikel was immediately told about the allegation, but decided to wait until after the game to confront Clattenburg with the claims.
At the wheel: Fernando Torres was also among the players training on Tuesday morning
A police statement read: 'An investigation has been launched into alleged comments made during a football match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United FC at Stamford Bridge on 28 October 2012.
'This follows on from a complaint received by the Metropolitan Police Service on 29 October. Officers from Hammersmith & Fulham borough are in liaison with Chelsea Football Club and the Football Association.
'At this time, the MPS has not received any complaint from either Chelsea Football Club, or the Football Association. We continue to work in partnership with Chelsea Football Club and the Football Association in order to consider any allegation that is made in relation to the reported events.'
It was unclear whether Clattenburg would elect to continue refereeing or take a break from the game while any investigation was pending.
Police became embroiled in a second high-profile football racism case after the man behind the mooted black players' breakaway union, Peter Herbert, sent a letter to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), which read: 'The Society of Black Lawyers wishes to record the incident that took place at Chelsea FC.
'Our information is that racist remarks were directed at John Mikel Obi and at Juan Mata. If so, that is wholly unacceptable in any circumstances. Although this matter may be investigated by the FA, it is appropriate that the MPS independently see if a racially-aggravated offence has occurred.
All smiles: Mikel was back with his team-mates in training amid the race row
Eyes on the ball: Juan Mata (centre) and John Terry (right) during training on Tuesday morning
After the Daily Mirror claims emerged, reporter Darren Lewis told Sky Sports News: 'There were lots of things that were said in what was an explosive confrontation in the referee’s room after the match.
'That ("I'll break your legs") is one of the things that has allegedly been said. It’s not been ascertained by whom but a lot of things have been said inside the heat of the dressing room during a furious confrontation.'
Among those who were either in or close to the referee's room were manager Roberto Di Matteo and chief executive Ron Gourlay, who were thought to be acting as peacemakers, trying to calm the angry Mikel.
It is reported that 'banging and shouting' could be heard from inside the room and security staff were later involved.
Clattenburg has filed an 'extraordinary incident' report into the matter and has been stood down from Saturday's matches while the investigations into his conduct take place.
Chelsea have also confirmed a separate incident, understood to involve Juan Mata, after claims that Clattenburg called him ‘a Spanish t**t’.
Mata is an astute and intelligent professional and, according to sources at the club, he was visibly shocked when he heard Clattenburg’s insult.
Chelsea’s position had not changed on Monday night and the incident was the talk of their Cobham training ground in Surrey during the day. Many of the players were in for a light session after the 3-2 defeat against United and they eagerly discussed Clattenburg’s behaviour.
Standing alone: Clattenburg found few friends in Stamford Bridge
Some of them will face United again in the Capital One Cup at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night as Chelsea prepare for another lengthy spell in the spotlight.
Most of their players have been asked if they heard — or were made aware of —either incident, but they are unable to provide any assistance.
Mikel has since told team-mates he intends to pursue the matter and they have agreed to provide statements to the FA if asked.
Following the angry scenes in the referee’s room, witnessed by Clattenburg’s assistants Michael McDonough and Simon Long, Chelsea discussed the incident at length. Mikel was taken away from the corridor that leads to the tunnel so the media, separated from the dressing-room areas by the width of a wall, could not hear what was said.
During those discussions, Gourlay decided to press ahead with a complaint to match delegate Nick Cusack and arranged for some of the details to be made public at 7.45 that evening.
Chelsea’s deliberations were the reason for the delay between the final whistle and Di Matteo’s appearance at his post-match press briefing.
Clattenburg, as required by the FA, then filed details of an ‘extraordinary incident’ at Stamford Bridge overnight.
On Monday morning he received communication from the FA’s compliance team as they prepared for a swift investigation into the remarkable allegation.
Chelsea are also under intense scrutiny after being criticised by the FA’s independent regulatory commission following the commission’s decision to ban Terry for four games and fine him £220,000 for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.
In the spotlight: Mark Clattenburg leaves his home near Newcastle on Monday
Grabbing a lift: Clattenburg jumped into a car with fellow ref Michael Oliver
Why would Mikel wait for Ramires n Luiz to confront Clattenburg? I hope they heard well otherwise Mikel is going to be sorry! PH dude
ReplyDeleteMikel is such a stupid boy as Ramires and Luiz don't even speak or hear english better than he does. Moreso they'reth Brazilians, they may have been conspiring against him to be replaced by one of their own kinsman.
ReplyDeleteFinally, Mikel should know that not everyone in your team will like you and these two aren't exceptions
u could not even hide ur interest. biased fellow!
ReplyDeleteI kw dis are all man u fanz...dat match was fixn n d FA shld investigate n nobody wil lie 2mikel n mata, dat foolish ref wld do more dan dat idiot ref
ReplyDeleteMikel has a right to pursue the matter to a logical conclusion. Especially when he intends to continue to play good football in his club. If he is convinced there is biased treatment, he may be affected psychologically and his football career will crash woefully. The people talking are so abused by the Nigerian situation that they think that is the standard elsewhere.
ReplyDelete