Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has accused Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi of almost destroying his career following a heated match between Chelsea and Manchester United in 2012.
More than ten years after the controversial game, Clattenburg reopened the issue during an appearance on the Beast Mode podcast, saying the Nigerian midfielder never apologised for what he called a “false and damaging” accusation.
Clattenburg recalls ‘nightmare’ at Stamford Bridge
Clattenburg was in charge when Manchester United beat Chelsea 3–2 at Stamford Bridge, a match remembered for red cards, arguments, and chaos.
“It was controversial,” Clattenburg said. “I sent off Fernando Torres, but Manchester United’s third goal was offside. We didn’t have VAR back then, and United won 3–2.”
After the game, tensions boiled over as Chelsea players confronted the referee in his dressing room.
“A player came in, threw punches, and tried to attack us,” Clattenburg said, referring to Mikel, who later received a three-match ban for the incident.
Racism accusation and investigation
The situation worsened when Mikel accused Clattenburg of using racist language during the match. The Football Association (FA) launched a full investigation but later cleared Clattenburg of any wrongdoing due to lack of evidence.
“The FA proved I was not guilty,” he explained. “Cameras disproved their claim, and players like Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole, who were closer, said they didn’t hear anything. Only Ramires did — and he didn’t even speak English.”
‘He nearly wrecked my life’ – Clattenburg
Reflecting on the impact of the accusation, Clattenburg said it almost ended his career.
“For years, I gave everything to football. Yet he still can’t apologise,” he said. “He nearly wrecked my life and career.”
Both men have since moved on — Mikel now works as a pundit, and Clattenburg has taken up roles in refereeing consultancy — but the incident remains one of the most controversial moments in Premier League history, highlighting the lasting effects of false accusations and the pressure referees face on and off the pitch.