Refs dismayed at Mikel punishment

The referees trade union, Prospect, last night revealed its dismay at the “leniency” of a three-game ban handed to John Obi Mikel after he confronted Mark Clattenburg following Chelsea’s stormy Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester United in October.

A Football Association independent regulatory commission yesterday handed down Mikel’s ban, which included a £60,000 fine, after the Chelsea midfielder admitted the charge.