Mark Clattenburg Opens Up on 2012 Racism Row With Mikel Obi: “He Never Apologised”

• Former Premier League referee has opened up on his infamous bust-up with midfielder Mikel Obi in 2012
• Mikel accused Mark Clattenburg of racially insulting him after a dressing room clash at Stamford Bridge
• Clattenburg officiated a controversial 3-2 victory for Manchester United in a dramatic match in London

Former Premier League referee Mark has opened up on his bust-up with John Obi Mikel after Chelsea’s loss to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in 2012.

Clattenburg oversaw the controversial match, during which he sent off two Chelsea players, Branislav Ivanovic and Fernando Torres, with a cheap second yellow card.

The official also allowed an offside goal for Manchester United to claim a 3-2 victory, which sent tempers flying at Stamford Bridge after the match.

Nigerian midfielder Mikel Obi charged towards the official’s dressing and attempted to break in, but was held back by teammates and security.

According to BBC Sport, the FA suspended Mikel for three matches and fined him £60,000 for threatening behaviour. Mark Clattenburg missed four weekends, but was eventually cleared of racism allegations from Chelsea and Mikel.

Clattenburg speaks about Mikel racism row

Mark Clattenburg, who is now retired, has spoken about the 2012 incident on multiple occasions, and again in a recent interview with Beast Mode On Podcast.

The 50-year-old admitted that the match was controversial, particularly with Fernando Torres’ sending off and Manchester United’s offside goal.

“Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in 2012. It was controversial. I sent off Fernando Torres, and the third goal of Manchester United was offside,” he said.

“It was one of those where he's come from an offside position into an inside position, more tough for an assistant, and he got it wrong, we didn't have VAR and Manchester United won 3-2.”

He described the incident after the match as an assault, which led to a suspension and fine for the former Chelsea midfielder, but insisted he never racially abused Mikel.

“There was a lot of frustration after the game, but if a footballer wants to come in and assault us and threw punches in my dressing room and comes into my dressing room, he got a three-match suspension after it,” he said.

“After the investigation of being accused of calling Obi Mikel some racist words, however, it was proven not guilty by the Football Association because the cameras disproved their argument.

“Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole were closer, and both of them said they didn't hear anything. However, Ramires did who didn't speak any English.”

He claimed that he has not received a formal apology from the former Super Eagles captain for nearly wrecking his life and career.

“For years, I've given a lot to the management of football players. Years later, he still can't apologise, which sums up the person he is because he nearly wrecked my life and nearly wrecked my career,” he said.

Mikel, in a previous interview, had reiterated that he will not apologise to the English referee as he trusts the words of his colleague, Ramires, who heard the referee say “shut up, you monkey.”

Mikel defends Mourinho after racism allegations

Legit.ng previously reported that Mikel defended Jose Mourinho after the manager was accused of racism towards Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk.

The Special One said at a post-match conference that his opponent was jumping like a monkey at the referee's decisions during their 0-0 draw at Ulker Stadium in Kadikoy.

Source: Legit.ng