NOW IS A REFEREE ....EPL RACISM

FA turn to video evidence after ref Clattenburg is accused of racially abusing Mikel and calling another Chelsea player a 'Spanish t**t'

• 
  

The FA are set to review video evidence after referee Mark Clattenburg was accused of aiming a racist insult at Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel during Sunday's 3-2 home defeat by Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Accused: Clattenburg is alleged to have racially abused John Obi Mikel (right) during Chelsea's defeat

Dispute: Mikel complains to Clattenburg as his side slump to defeat at Stamford Bridge

Why assistant refs could be crucial...

The FA and Premier League could ask Sky TV for footage from the 20 camera angles used for the big live matches to help confirm whether Mark Clattenburg made an inappropriate or racially aggravated comment. Premier League refs wear microphones, which means evidence from Michael McDonough and Simon Long — who both ran the line — and fourth official Michael Jones may prove crucial.

The FA will now request all footage from Sky Sports from the game. While not all are recorded, they should help confirm whether Clattenburg made an inappropriate or racially aggravated comment.

Chelsea made the official complaint at 7.45pm on Sunday night, but Clattenburg had already been confronted by then.

Chief executive Ron Gourlay, with Mikel and manager Roberto Di Matteo, demanded an apology during stormy scenes in the referee’s room.

In the spotilight: Mark Clattenburg, leaves his home near Newcastle on Monday

Grabbing a lift: Clattenburg jumped into a car with fellow ref Michael Oliver

Clattenburg refused and Chelsea decided to take the incredible action of launching an immediate complaint to the Premier League, via match delegate Nick Cusack, over his language 

John Terry, serving a four-match ban for racially insulting Anton Ferdinand last October, wore a Kick It Out badge as he watched from the sidelines.

Rio Ferdinand, fined £45,000 for his ‘choc ice’ tweet, also ended his feud with Ashley Cole when they shook hands before the game.

But all that was forgotten amid dramatic scenes nearly two hours after the final whistle.

Tough time: Clattenburg was given a hostile reception by the Chelsea fans as he left the field

Winner: Javier Hernandez scores Manchester United's third goal

Home players heard the alleged comment to Mikel and will back up his story. Clattenburg said he would  co-operate with any inquiry. 

Professional Game Match Officials, the body which represents Premier League referees, released a statement which read: ‘PGMO is 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.’

VIDEO: Did referee abuse black Chelsea player? See the John Obi Mikel incident here...