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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: John Obi Mikel of Chelsea talks to referee Mark Clattenburg as team mate Juan Mata looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 28, 2012 in London, England.
Chelsea’s Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel has been slapped with a fine of £60,000 and given a three match ban in light of his racial abuse directed towards referee Mark Clattenburg. It has been reported that after the end of Chelsea’s league game against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, Mikel went to Clattenburg’s room and confronted him over alleged racing slur directed towards him during the match by the referee.
After the match, Chelsea filed an official complaint with the FA, and an inquiry was set-up to handle and investigate this entire affair, as a result of which Clattenburg could not officiate in any Premier League match in the subsequent week.
Rafa Benitez, and Chelsea on their part looked prepared for this decision, as Oriol Romeu was provided with some much needed match-fitness against Nordsjaelland in the Champions League.
Earlier this week, Mikel had signed a new five-year deal at the club.
