Clattenburg innocent, says Fergie

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson yesterday poured scorn on Chelsea’s claim Mark Clattenburg used “inappropriate language” towards John Obi Mikel, declaring: “It didn’t happen.”

But Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo later hit back, insisting the allegation “should be treated seriously, no matter what“, also claiming refereeing decisions appeared to go in “one direction” when it came to United.

Ferguson finally had his say on the latest race row to rock football yesterday and he did not pull his punches, saying there was “no way” referee Clattenburg would have abused Chelsea midfielder Mikel during United’s stormy Premier League win at Stamford Bridge last Sunday.

Ferguson said: “I don’t think it is an accusation that should be made, even in the heat of the moment. You can’t do that.

“If it is proved right, that is a different issue — you can’t support the indefensible. But the situation as I see it, my personal feeling is, it didn’t happen.”

Chelsea boss Di Matteo felt Ferguson’s outspoken comments were unhelpful, adding: “I have to say that it happened in the past as well.”

The Italian insisted the Blues did everything by the book during the Clattenburg affair.

“We believe we did what was right,” he said. “I cannot say more than that because of the investigation.”

That did not stop him hitting back at Ferguson by claiming there was “a lot of evidence” referees unconsciously favoured United.