Chelsea football stars are to be questioned by police over claims that referee Mark Clattenburg used “inappropriate language” towards two of the club’s players.
The referee is facing the possibility of a police investigation after a formal complaint was made to the Met alleging that he used “racist remarks” to John Obi Mikel and Juan Mata.
He is said to have called Mata a “Spanish t**t” during heated exchanges in Chelsea’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Clattenburg is already being investigated by the FA over the claims and the 37-year-old has been stood down from officiating this weekend.
Scotland Yard says it is assessing a complaint about the referee submitted by Peter Herbert, the lawyer behind the mooted black players’ breakaway union.
In a letter to the Met he says: “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 Obi Mikel 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.”
The Standard understands that detectives will speak to several Chelsea players who are reported to have made sworn statements saying Mikel was racially abused. A Met spokesman said the complaint was being considered.
He said: “Officers from Hammersmith & Fulham borough have been in contact with Chelsea Football Club today regarding the widely-reported club referral of the referee’s behaviour to the Football Association.
Read More
“At this time, the Metropolitan Police has not received any complaint from either Chelsea Football Club or the Football Association. We will 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.”
