Chelsea players accuse the referee who officiate last Sunday’s match against Manchester United of racism. Mark Clattenburg was said to call Chelsea’s star John Obi Mikel a “monkey”.

Two Chelsea players made the claim to teammates in the dressing after the game. Clattenburg vehemently denies making any racist jibe and is confident he will be cleared by match officials, who heard his every word through a microphone headset.

A source said last night: “He said nothing of the sort — and he will fight this all the way.”

Clattenburg, 37, is also accused of calling Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata a “Spanish t***” during the West London side’s 3-2 defeat.

The referee denies making racist comments — and believes his innocence will be proved by the linesmen and fourth match official.

They will have heard every word he spoke during the game through the headset all referees wear.

A source said: “There’s always a lot of noise on the pitch and the players could easily have misheard.”

Clattenburg now faces a police investigation as well as FA inquiry. He has the full backing of fellow referees amid claims that bitter Chelsea stars “ganged up” on him.

An inquiry was launched into the racism claims by the FA after Chelsea lodged an official complaint.

From The Sun