I’m innocent, says accused ref Mark Clattenburg

Mark Clattenburg emphatically denies that he racially abused Chelsea players.

The referee is understood to be hurt and angry over the allegations which emerged following Manchester United’s 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Clattenburg’s union are so convinced of his innocence they have put their integrity on the line to fight his case amid investigations by the Metropolitan Police and the Football Association. Prospect, who act for referees, are understood to have heard an outright denial of Chelsea’s accusations in their talks with the official.

Union chiefs had wanted Clattenburg cleared of the highly damaging allegations quickly enough for him to resume his duties this weekend. It is believed the referee wanted to be on duty but he was stood down due to “the intense level of scrutiny”.

However, Prospect are concerned that Clattenburg’s absence could be taken as a suggestion that he is guilty. There is also a feeling that referees will be vulnerable to further copycat claims if the matter is not speedily resolved.

Sources close to Prospect pointed to the huge risk to their credibility in backing Clattenburg if he turned out to be guilty; hence their firm conviction that he is innocent.

The union’s statement said: “Prospect is committed to helping to eradicate racism in football and in society generally. In the context of that commitment, Prospect is offering full support to Mark Clattenburg in relation to the allegations made against him.”

The wording is understood to be highly significant and would have been couched very differently had Prospect doubted Clattenburg’s word.