Former Chelsea and Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi has opened up about a heated confrontation with Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg, revealing that he allegedly threatened to break the Englishman’s legs during a match incident.
Tense Moment Triggered by Racist Allegation
Mikel’s fury was ignited when teammate Ramires informed him of Clattenburg’s alleged racist remarks. Recalling the incident on his ObiOne podcast, Mikel stated, “Ramires came to me and said, ‘Mikel, do you know what he said to you? He called you a fing black c.’ I lost it. I absolutely lost it.”
Driven by anger, Mikel stormed to the referee’s dressing room, declaring, “Come out, I’m going to break your fucking legs. I’m going to smash you.” He was reportedly held back by teammates before he could confront Clattenburg.
Clattenburg’s Account and Aftermath
In his own recollection, Clattenburg described the incident as intense, noting that Mikel attempted to physically assault him post-match. He recounted, “Chelsea’s John Mikel Obi once swung at me in the referee’s room at Stamford Bridge. He screamed he wanted to break my legs and was being held back by Roberto Di Matteo and Eddie Newton.”
As a consequence of the confrontation, Mikel was handed a three-match ban. Clattenburg, who faced a four-match suspension during a police investigation into the alleged racist comments, expressed that Mikel’s punishment was too lenient, suggesting, “He should have been banned for the entire season instead.”
Reflection on the Incident
This incident sheds light on the intense emotions and pressures that players face during high-stakes matches, as well as the serious implications of alleged racism in football. Mikel’s candidness about the confrontation emphasizes the need for continued discussions on race and respect within the sport.