Mark Clattenburg gets 'full support from referees union' over racial slur allegations

Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has been given ‘full support’ from the referees union Prospect over allegations made by Chelsea FC he used ‘inappropriate language’ when speaking to two members of the London team yesterday.

Clatternburg had been presiding over the tempestuous encounter between Chelsea and Manchester United yesterday at Stamford Bridge. It was a game full of talking points as Chelsea had two men sent off before succumbing to a winning strike by United striker Javier Hernandez, which saw the Manchester side emerge 3-2 winners, despite the striker being clearly offside in TV replays.

The most serious talking point to have emerged from the game is the accusation that Clattenberg used ‘inappropriate language’ when talking with two Chelsea players during the course of the game, which has been interpreted as racist.

Prospect said in a statement of the accusations: “Prospect is committed to helping to eradicate racism in football and in society in general.

“In the context of that commitment, Prospect is offering full support to Mark Clattenburg in relation to the allegations made against him.

“It is now important that the allegations are fully investigated through the proper process as quickly as possible.”

Chelsea has made no further comment about the accusations, and neither has United at this stage.

Photo: Getty.