Police probe Clattenburg's "inappropriate language"

The Metropolitan Police said they had acted on a complaint from the Society of Black Lawyers after Chelsea accused County Durham-born Mark Clattenburg of using comments understood to have been interpreted as racist towards John Obi Mikel and Juan Mata in the Blues’ defeat to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

It is understood Mr Clattenburg, 37 and originally from Consett, completely rejects the allegations against him, which are also subject to a Football Association investigation – which is continuing despite the police intervention.

A Metropolitan Police statement said: “An investigation has been launched into alleged comments made during a football match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United FC at Stamford Bridge on 28 October 2012.

“Officers from Hammersmith and Fulham borough are in liaison with Chelsea Football Club and the Football Association.

“We continue to work in partnership with Chelsea Football Club and the Football Association in order to consider any allegation that is made in relation to the reported events.”

Peter Herbert, the man behind a mooted black players’ breakaway union, had written to the Metropolitan Police demanding an investigation.

He said: “What we don’t want is for it to be swept away under the carpet. It must be subject to a full and proper investigation.”

Chelsea, Mikel and Mata have so far not complained to the police.

It is understood Mr Clattenburg is yet to be interviewed by the FA but stands ready to deny any wrongdoing, having pledged to co-operate fully with any investigation.

He is said to be shocked and angered by the allegations made against him and confident of clearing his name.

It is now expected he will be spoken to by both the police and the FA, possibly after filing a written account of Sunday’s events.

Mr Clattenburg, now based in Newcastle, has stood down from refereeing for a week.