Ferguson behind Clattenburg

Sir Alex Ferguson has offered his support to referee Mark Clattenburg over allegation he used “inappropriate language” against a Chelsea player.

Clattenburg is alleged to have used racist language against John Obi Mikel during Chelsea’s controversial defeat to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge last weekend, with both the Metropolitan Police and the FA investigating the claims.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Chelsea were wrong to go public with their complaint, but Ferguson has taken it one step further by claiming he does not accept Clattenburg would make racist remarks against a player.

“I don’t believe Mark Clattenburg would make any comments like that,” Ferguson told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

“I refuse to believe it. I think it is unthinkable in the modern climate. I just don’t believe it – simple as that. There is no way a referee would stoop to that, I am convinced of that.”

He went on: “I think in the modern game, the way we see the game today rather than how it was 25 years ago, it has completely changed.

“I played myself and I know the banter that went on between referees and players 25 years ago is different from today.

“I have never heard a player come to me in the last 15 years and say a referee has sworn at them during a game, ever.

“So, that is where I stand. I don’t believe it.”