Clattenburg Claims Mikel Tried Punching Him Post-Racial Allegations, Cites Chelsea’s Terry-Ferdinand Payback Bid

Mark Clattenburg Accuses John Obi Mikel of 2012 Dressing Room Attack Amid Racial Slur Fallout
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has revealed explosive details about a 2012 post-match clash with Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel, claiming the midfielder attempted to punch him in a dispute stemming from false racial abuse allegations.

[Image: Mark Clattenburg confronting Mikel in 2012]
Caption: Clattenburg claims Mikel stormed into his dressing room after a heated Chelsea vs. Man United match.

The incident occurred after a controversial Chelsea vs. Manchester United match in October 2012, where Clattenburg was accused of racially abusing Mikel by calling him a “monkey.” The FA later cleared Clattenburg, while Mikel received a three-match ban and £60,000 fine for threatening the referee. Now, Clattenburg alleges the ordeal was Chelsea’s “payback” for John Terry’s 2011 racial abuse scandal involving QPR’s Anton Ferdinand.

The Dressing Room Confrontation
Clattenburg, 50, recounted the chaotic scene on the Under The Cosh podcast: “I opened the dressing room door, and Mikel burst in swinging punches. I ducked, and he tried to pin me against the wall. Security was nowhere.” Moments later, a security guard returned to retrieve Mikel’s forgotten flip-flop, prompting Clattenburg to snap, “Are you taking the f** p***?”

[Image: Mikel during the 2012 match]
Caption: Mikel was banned and fined after the FA investigated the altercation.

Racial Slur Allegations and Terry Link
Clattenburg speculated Chelsea weaponized the racial accusation to retaliate after Terry was stripped of England’s captaincy and handed a £220,000 FA fine for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in 2011 (though cleared criminally). “The club knew Terry’s case damaged their reputation. This felt like revenge,” he said.

[Image: John Terry and Anton Ferdinand clash in 2011]
Caption: Terry’s ban for racially abusing Ferdinand preceded Clattenburg’s accusations.

Mental Toll and FA Probe
Clattenburg described the investigation’s devastating impact: “I couldn’t eat or sleep. Being falsely labeled a racist destroyed me. I nearly quit refereeing.” The month-long FA inquiry, which included interviews and media scrutiny, left him “mentally gone.” He criticized Chelsea for leaving him “high and dry” as reporters camped outside his home.

[Image: Clattenburg during a 2012 match]
Caption: Clattenburg says the false accusation pushed him to consider retiring.

Unanswered Questions
Clattenburg questioned Chelsea’s motives and security failures: “Why did Mikel reach my room? Was he angry about losing or a drug test?” He also highlighted inconsistencies: “The FA observer focused on Mikel’s behavior, not the racial claim. An hour later, I’m suddenly accused.”

[Image: Terry and Rio Ferdinand during a match]
Caption: Terry’s rift with Anton’s brother Rio deepened after the 2011 incident.

Aftermath
While Mikel’s ban came months later, Clattenburg insists the damage was done. “It was a disgrace. Without my ref salary, I’d have lost everything.” He returned to officiating but called for stronger protections for referees amid heated player confrontations.

[Image: Clattenburg officiating a match]
Caption: Clattenburg continued refereeing until 2017 but says the ordeal changed him.

The incident remains a dark chapter in Premier League history, underscoring tensions between officials, clubs, and the weight of misconduct allegations. Clattenburg’s account reignites debate over accountability and the psychological toll on those in the spotlight.

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