Mark Clattenburg accused of 'inappropriate language', including racial slur

Referee Mark Clattenburg, who presided over Manchester United's 3-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, has been accused of using 'inappropriate language' towards two Chelsea players. The abusive language he is accused of using included, but was not limited to, a racial slur. Chelsea has filed a complaint with the Premier League over the matter.

Clattenburg, who showed two red cards to Chelsea players during the match, is accused of using inappropriate language towards two players in two separate incidents. One incident included an unidentified Caucasian player and was not racist in nature. The other involved John Obi Mikel, who believes that Clattenburg directed a racial slur at him.

Chelsea's comment on the matter didn't reveal much about their complaint. "We have a lodged a complaint to the Premier League match delegate with regards to inappropriate language used by the referee and directed at two of our players in two separate incidents during today's match," said a club spokesman. The Professional Game Match Officials released a similar standard-issue statement, which stated that they are "aware of the allegations and they are being treated with the utmost seriousness. Mark will co-operate fully and welcomes the opportunity for the facts to be established."