Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has been accused of racially abusing two Chelsea players on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.
FA chiefs have began an investigation into allegations that Clattenburg insulted Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel and called Juan Mata a 'Spanish t**t' after Chelsea slumped to a 3-2 home defeat in the hands of Manchester United.
Society of Black Lawyers have written to cops demanding a full inquiry into the incident, but Clattenburg, 37, has maintained his innocence.
In a letter to the Metropolitan Police, the man behind the mooted black players’ breakaway union, Peter Herbert, wrote: '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.
'It is appropriate that the Metropolitan Police Service see if a racially-aggravated offence has occurred.'
Last night, police said they had received the letter but it was not certain an investigation would follow.
Referee Clattenburg who sent off Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic and striker Fernando Torres, was yesterday preparing a vigorous denial of the accusations.
Clattenburg carrer, which saw him officiate in August’s Olympic final, may end abruptly if found guilty.
A source said: 'Mark has explained his version of events to his fellow professionals in the game. He is confident he will be cleared.'
Clattenburg, who wrote of an 'extraordinary incident' in his match report, has the full support of his union Prospect.
But he will not officiate any game this weekend following discussions between the FA and the Professional Game Match Officials, which represents Premier League referees.
The PGMO insisted the focus of any game should be on the players — not the officials.
It said: 'The intense level of scrutiny would detract from the match and be unfair to the clubs and supporters.'
Teammates of John Mikel Obi and Juan Mata are reported to be willing to make statements to the FA on the issue.
Oct. 30, 2012.
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